TVK Moves Supreme Court for Independent Probe
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation into the Karur stampede that occurred on September 27. The petition challenges a Madras High Court order that directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), composed of Tamil Nadu police officers, to conduct the inquiry.
Grounds of the Petition
TVK claims that a fair and impartial probe is impossible if the investigation is handled solely by officers from the same state police that may have been involved. The party has asked the Supreme Court to oversee a fresh investigation headed by a former Supreme Court judge. It also questions scathing remarks made by the High Court against TVK and its leader, alleging those remarks have tainted the investigation process.
High Court Order and Supreme Court Response
On October 3, the Madras High Court ordered an SIT led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg to probe the tragedy. The High Court had criticised TVK’s conduct, including allegations that they left the scene and failed to control the crowd. TVK’s plea argues these remarks undermine the presumption of innocence and neutrality.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the TVK petition on October 10, and will consider it alongside a separate plea by the father of a child who died in the stampede seeking a CBI investigation.
Stakes and Outlook
A ruling in TVK’s favour could shift control of the probe away from state authorities and towards a central, court-supervised investigation. The decision will be closely watched by victims’ families, political parties, and legal observers as it may determine both the narrative and credibility of the overall investigation.
