Key developments include a Special Investigation Team for the Karur stampede and IAF’s response to Pakistan’s claims.
The Madras High Court has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals. This SIT will be led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg. During the proceedings, Justice N Senthilkumar expressed criticism towards Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, for what he described as their abandonment of the site following the incident. He noted a lack of remorse from the party, emphasizing the court’s duty to address the situation responsibly. The unfortunate event occurred on September 27, when Vijay was addressing his supporters from a campaign vehicle.
In a separate development, the Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, responded to Pakistan’s assertions regarding the shooting down of Indian aircraft during a four-day conflict in May. Singh characterized these claims as attempts by Pakistan to bolster its domestic reputation, referring to them as “manohar kahaniyan,” or tall tales. He expressed indifference to these assertions, suggesting that if Pakistan believes it shot down 15 Indian jets, it should prepare for the consequences in future engagements. Singh stated that India had not only destroyed several Pakistani aircraft on the ground but had also downed five jets from the US-made F-16 and Chinese-built JF-17 categories. He further noted that Pakistan had not provided any evidence of damage to Indian air bases.
Meanwhile, Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court challenging her husband’s detention under the National Security Act. Angmo is seeking his immediate release, arguing that the court should verify the legality of his detention. Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, shortly after violent protests in Leh resulted in the deaths of four individuals due to police firing. These protests were aimed at advocating for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The clashes involved demonstrators throwing stones at police and setting fire to local BJP offices and a police vehicle. The Union government has claimed that Wangchuk incited the violence with his provocative statements.
In Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has threatened to leave the party following his objections to remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath regarding the violence surrounding “I love Muhammad” posters. Sirwal criticized the Uttar Pradesh Police for what he described as a “vindictive” attitude towards Muslims, referencing Adityanath’s comments about punishing those involved in the clashes that erupted on September 26. The violence followed a confrontation between a crowd carrying these posters and police outside a mosque. In the wake of these events, authorities arrested 72 individuals. Sirwal emphasized that the situation contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development and trust among communities, calling for an impartial inquiry to hold all wrongdoers accountable, regardless of community affiliation.
