Supreme Court establishes oversight committee to ensure impartiality in investigation of deadly stampede
The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into a stampede that occurred during actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. This tragic incident, which took place on September 27, resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including 18 women and nine children.
The ruling was made by a bench consisting of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria, responding to a petition filed by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and other concerned parties. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the incident and the need for a thorough investigation.
In conjunction with the CBI probe, the Supreme Court has also set up a three-member supervisory committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. This committee is tasked with ensuring that the investigation proceeds in an impartial manner. Justice Rastogi will appoint two senior officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), specifically not below the rank of inspector general. These officers may be from the Tamil Nadu cadre, yet must not be natives of the state, aiming to maintain objectivity in the inquiry.
The committee’s role includes monitoring the CBI’s investigation closely, with the agency required to provide monthly reports detailing the progress of the inquiry. The formation of this committee is intended to bolster public confidence in the investigation process, particularly given the high stakes involved due to the number of fatalities.
At the rally, which was held in Veluchamy Puram, a significant overcrowding issue arose when more than 25,000 attendees gathered, despite official permission being granted for only 10,000. The situation became critical shortly after Vijay began addressing his supporters from his campaign vehicle, leading to numerous attendees fainting due to the excessive crowd density. The rally was marked by distressing scenes, including interruptions in Vijay’s speech to facilitate the arrival of ambulances for those who collapsed.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had previously challenged an order from the Madras High Court, which had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Tamil Nadu Police officers to investigate the stampede. The party expressed concerns over the potential bias of an inquiry conducted solely by state police and sought an independent investigation overseen by the Supreme Court. Their petition highlighted the possibility of a “pre-planned conspiracy” involving miscreants, underscoring the need for an investigation that is both comprehensive and free from local influence.
This ruling by the Supreme Court and the establishment of a supervisory committee mark a significant step towards addressing the serious implications of the stampede and ensuring accountability in the aftermath of this tragic event.
