What Actions is the Supreme Court Committee Taking in Karur Regarding the CBI Investigation into the TVK Rally Stampede?
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Synopsis
A Supreme Court committee is in Karur for a crucial three-day review of the ongoing CBI investigation into the Velusamypuram stampede that killed 41 people. Justice Ajay Rastogi leads the assessment, aiming to understand the tragedy's circumstances and gather testimonies from survivors and families.
Key Takeaways
- Committee Established: A Supreme Court committee is reviewing the CBI investigation.
- Tragic Event: The Velusamypuram stampede resulted in 41 deaths.
- Ongoing Investigation: The CBI is examining crucial evidence.
- Community Engagement: The committee is meeting with victims' families.
- Future Safety Measures: Recommendations for better crowd management are expected.
Karur, Dec 2 (NationPress) A committee appointed by the Supreme Court, led by retired judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, initiated a three-day assessment in Karur on Tuesday. This review focuses on the ongoing CBI investigation into the tragic stampede at Velusamypuram that occurred on September 27, resulting in the loss of 41 lives and numerous injuries.
The chaotic event unfolded during a political rally featuring actor and leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay.
Justice Rastogi, joined by top IPS officials Sonal Mishra and Sumit Saran, arrived at the Public Works Department Guest House around 10 a.m.
This location currently serves as a temporary hub for CBI operations. The committee's presence is significant as it represents the first substantial oversight following the Supreme Court's decision to halt the previous Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg and to transfer the investigation to the CBI, which is now under the committee's direct supervision.
Over 15 CBI officials, headed by Praveen Kumar, an officer from the Gujarat cadre, have been stationed in Karur for several days.
The team is currently scrutinizing vital crowd movement videos, surveillance footage, and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragic incident.
On Tuesday, Justice Rastogi and the supervising officers conducted a comprehensive review meeting with the investigative team, evaluating their progress and offering guidance for the next steps in the investigation.
The previous day, CBI Deputy Inspector General Atul Kumar Thakur visited the site of the stampede after extensive discussions at the guest house, examining the layout and key areas identified in the initial crowd flow and emergency response analysis.
In the upcoming two days, the committee is anticipated to meet with the families of the deceased and survivors who were injured.
These discussions aim to record grievances, collect additional eyewitness accounts, and address concerns regarding possible failures in crowd management, event coordination, and safety measures on the ground.
Politicians and public members are also expected to present petitions to the committee.
Officials indicated that all submissions would be systematically documented as part of the fact-finding mission.
Karur District Collector M. Thangavel and RDO Mohammed Faizal welcomed the committee and provided an overview of the administrative response to date, including compensation distributions and new safety protocols instituted since the tragedy.
According to law enforcement sources, Justice Rastogi's visit to Karur is set to conclude on December 4, after which he will head to Coimbatore to catch a return flight.
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Point of View
The ongoing investigation by the Supreme Court-appointed committee emphasizes the need for accountability and improved crowd management strategies during public events. The tragic loss of lives serves as a grave reminder of the importance of thorough safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Supreme Court committee's review in Karur?
The committee aims to oversee the ongoing CBI investigation into the stampede at Velusamypuram, ensuring accountability and gathering testimonies from affected families.
How many lives were lost in the Velusamypuram stampede?
The stampede resulted in 41 fatalities and left many others injured.
Who is leading the Supreme Court committee?
The committee is led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
What has the committee been doing during its three-day review?
The committee is analyzing crowd movement videos, reviewing witness testimonies, and meeting with families of the deceased and injured to gather further insights.
What steps are being taken to prevent future incidents like the stampede?
The committee is assessing current safety protocols and gathering recommendations for improved crowd management during public events.
