Chennai, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Madras High Court expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and has established a special investigation team (SIT) led by IPS officer Asra Garg to investigate the stampede in Karur, which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals on September 27.

Justice N Senthilkumar remarked, “It is painful to watch the videos,” highlighting his dismay that only two arrests have been made thus far related to the tragedy.

The court criticized the leaders of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and those organizing the rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay, pointing out their failure to assist the public and children during the chaos, and for evading responsibility.

“Despite expressions of grief and rescue efforts from the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and various political parties, the event organizers—party members—have completely distanced themselves,” the court stated.

In forming the SIT, Justice Senthilkumar instructed the Karur Police to promptly provide all documentation concerning the stampede to the investigation team.

In a related issue, the High Court has postponed its decision on the anticipatory bail request from TVK General Secretary Bussi Anand and Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar, without setting a date for the ruling.

The court previously acknowledged an accident linked to Vijay's campaign, questioning, “Has a case been registered regarding this?”

With the emergence of videos depicting the alleged incident, the court remarked, “What is stopping the police from registering a case? Even in the absence of a complaint, the police are obliged to file one.”

A division bench consisting of M. Dhandapani and M. Jothiraman dismissed a petition from BJP leader Uma Anandan demanding a CBI inquiry into the stampede but allowed her to return to court if the investigation proceeds inadequately.

“This court should not be treated as a political battleground,” the court emphasized, questioning the petitioner's standing in the matter.

“We will intervene if individuals aggrieved by this court come forward,” stated the court, urging the petitioner to allow the investigation into the September 27 incident to advance from its initial phase.

The BJP leader had called for a High Court directive for a CBI inquiry, alleging that the fatalities stemmed from official negligence.

The High Court issued the order while reviewing multiple petitions, including some that requested an increase in compensation for the victims.

The bench acknowledged the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to create standard operating procedures (SoPs) for rallies or gatherings, recommending that events be prohibited near state or national highways.

The court advised that future political rallies or gatherings should be organized at designated locations, ensuring adequate provisions for drinking water and sanitation.

Moreover, the bench stressed the need for escape routes and parking areas to reduce the risk of stampedes.