CBI Launches Investigation Into Karur Stampede Tragedy That Left 41 Dead, Calls TVK Leaders For Questioning

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a full-fledged probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives and left over 60 injured during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) event addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay on September 27.

As part of the investigation, the agency has summoned TVK General Secretary N. Anand alias Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal for questioning on September 28. Both leaders have been asked to appear before the CBI to record their statements as investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly incident.

The Supreme Court had earlier transferred the case to the CBI after TVK filed a petition seeking an impartial investigation, citing potential bias in the state police probe. Following the court’s directive, the CBI re-registered the FIR initially filed by the Tamil Nadu Police and informed the jurisdictional court.

A special CBI team has since visited the Velusamypuram grounds in Karur to collect forensic evidence, inspect the site layout, and review crowd control arrangements. The agency is also analysing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the timeline of events and identify lapses in crowd management.

The Supreme Court also formed a three-member supervisory committee headed by former Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the probe’s progress. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria observed that the tragedy had “deeply shaken public conscience” and emphasised the need for a transparent and unbiased investigation to uphold victims’ rights.

The court also criticised certain Tamil Nadu police officials for making premature public statements about the incident, cautioning that such remarks could compromise the integrity of the investigation.

The CBI has been asked to submit its preliminary findings to the Supreme Court within a stipulated time frame, as families of the victims continue to seek justice and accountability for the stampede.