Supreme Court orders CBI investigation into Karur stampede tragedy

The Supreme Court on Monday, 13 October, directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives on 27 September.

A bench comprising justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria appointed former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to head a committee overseeing the investigation.

The order follows a plea filed by Tamil actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and others, seeking an independent probe under the supervision of the apex court. The plea argued that a fair and impartial investigation would not be possible if conducted solely by Tamil Nadu Police officers. TVK also raised concerns over a possiblepremeditated conspiracy that may have contributed to the stampede.

The petition had criticised the high court for forming a special investigation team (SIT) exclusively with state police officers and for making adverse remarks against the actor-politician and his party, suggesting they left the venue without expressing remorse.

SC to pronounce its order on October 13 on pleas for independent probe into Karur stampede

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Summary of Supreme Court Order on the Karur Stampede (13 October 2025):

1. Concerns Over High Court’s Proceedings:

The Supreme Court (bench led by Justice J. Maheshwari) noted serious procedural and jurisdictional irregularities in the Madras High Court’s handling of the…

— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) October 13, 2025

The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the catastrophic Karur tragedy, which claimed 41 lives during a rally in Tamil Nadu on September 27, 2025.

What was Karur Stampede? Let's recall 🧵 - pic.twitter.com/CrB2n3k2BA

— Deadly Law (@DeadlyLaw) October 13, 2025

The Supreme Court bench, which had reserved its verdict on 10 October, also agreed to hear BJP leader Uma Anandan’s plea challenging the high court’s refusal to order a CBI probe. Another BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, G.S. Mani, has similarly sought a central investigation.

Earlier reports indicated that the rally drew approximately 27,000 attendees, nearly three times the expected 10,000, and police pointed to a seven-hour delay by Vijay in arriving at the venue as a contributing factor to the tragedy.

The Supreme Court’s directive marks a significant step towards an independent investigation into the incident, as families of the victims and political parties await accountability for the disaster.

With PTI inputs