Madras HC criticizes TVK party workers and directs SIT to look into the Karur stampede

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by senior IPS officer Asra Garg, has been established by the Madras High Court to look into the fatal stampede that occurred at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. More than 60 people were hurt and 41 individuals died in the September 27 event. Garg is currently the Inspector General of Police, North Zone. Interestingly, a court with a single judge reportedly criticized the officials of Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

A plea for a CBI investigation into the incident was also denied by the high court. The bench requested that the petitioner contact the HC's Madurai bench in order to dismiss the plea. In addition, TVK district secretary N Sathish Kumar's anticipatory bail request in the stampede case was denied by the Madras High Court on Friday. The judge asked why the party was unable to rein in the crowd and its members' disorderly behavior, which included destroying public property and going on a rampage during Vijay's roadshow.

41 persons were killed and numerous others were injured in the stampede that occurred during Vijay's rally. Numerous people attended the event, and preliminary investigation has revealed that the commotion was caused by poor crowd control. Notably, Vijay and his party stopped his statewide election campaign and banned any political gatherings for the next two weeks following the incident.