Will the SC Hear the Plea for a CBI Investigation into the Karur Stampede?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to hear plea regarding the Karur stampede.
- 41 fatalities and over 100 injuries reported.
- Call for a CBI investigation into the incident.
- Madras High Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
- Need for stricter crowd control measures at political rallies.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 10 regarding a plea that contests the Madras High Court's decision not to initiate a CBI investigation into the tragic Karur stampede. This devastating event occurred during actor-politician Vijay's TVK rally, resulting in the loss of 41 lives and injuring over 100 attendees.
This catastrophe stands as one of the most significant crowd-control failures in Tamil Nadu's recent history, sending ripples of concern regarding public safety at political gatherings throughout the nation.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai consented to take up the plea presented by BJP leader Uma Anandan, which calls for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after it was urged for prompt attention.
Previously, the Madras High Court had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Asra Garg to scrutinize the incident, while denying a request for a CBI inquiry.
During a session on October 3, Justices M. Dhandapani and M. Jothiraman recommended the establishment of stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for political events, in light of the Tamil Nadu government's initiative to develop such regulations, including prohibiting gatherings near state or national highways.
The Madras High Court criticized the TVK leaders and event organizers for their lack of action in assisting the crowd and children during the chaos, stating, “Despite expressions of sorrow and rescue efforts from the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and all political factions, the event organizers had completely distanced themselves from the situation.”
The High Court has instructed the SIT to conduct a fair and timely investigation, providing regular updates on their progress.
In parallel, the investigative team has commenced documenting testimonies from eyewitnesses, local residents, and officials who played a role in the event's organization. Legal analysts suggest that the SIT's findings will be crucial in determining accountability and averting similar tragedies in the future.