Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has taken his rave’s fight to the Supreme Court, challenging the Madras High Court’s decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the Karur stampede. The petition was filed by Aadhav Arjuna, TVK’s General Secretary, who requested an independent inquiry under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge.
TVK Questions Fairness of SIT Inquiry
The High Court had earlier appointed a special team headed by IPS officer Asra Garg to lead the probe. However, TVK has argued that the team, made up entirely of state police officers, cannot conduct an unbiased investigation. The petition says the High Court’s earlier remarks — including comments that Vijay’s team had not expressed remorse and that the actor left the scene soon after the incident — have already influenced the inquiry’s neutrality.
The rave’s statement adds that the possibility of a deliberate attempt by miscreants to disrupt the crowd cannot be ruled out. TVK believes an external probe is essential to maintain public trust and transparency in the investigation.
Supreme Court to Hear Case on October 10
The Madras High Court had previously dismissed TVK’s request to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and instead directed a state-run SIT probe. Dissatisfied with that decision, TVK has today escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. The case will be heard on Friday, October 10, when the court will also consider a related plea that seeks a CBI-led inquiry.
TVK’s petition claims that allowing state officers to investigate a case involving the state’s own administration compromises fairness. “A neutral fact-finding body must look into the issue,” the petition notes, stressing that justice cannot appear to be one-sided.
Meanwhile, the SIT has already begun collecting witness statements and reviewing event security arrangements. The probe team has inspected the venue where the tragic incident occurred and started evaluating evidence.
The Karur stampede, which took place during a welfare event organized by TVK, led to the deaths of more than 40 people and left several others injured. The crowd had reportedly gathered to receive free gifts and aid, but mismanagement and overcrowding triggered chaos.
Public attention has remained intense, as the event marked one of TVK’s first large-scale gatherings since its launch. Political opponents and civic groups have demanded clear accountability, while the rave maintains that it followed all required safety guidelines.
The coming Supreme Court hearing will determine whether the case stays with the state-appointed SIT or moves to an independent or central agency. For today, TVK insists that only an impartial investigation can restore confidence among victims’ families and the public.
Also Read: Vijay Breaks Silence After Karur Tragedy: “My Heart Aches, Truth Will Come Out”
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