SIT Launches Formal Probe into Deadly Karur Political Rally Stampede

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Madras High Court, has launched a high-stakes investigation into the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives during a political rally organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur on September 27. The incident, which unfolded at Velusamypuram, has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about crowd management and accountability.

Leading the probe is North Zone Inspector General (IG) Asra Garg, who addressed the media in Karur on Sunday, confirming that the investigation is underway in strict compliance with the High Court’s directives. “This committee was formed as per the Court’s orders. We have begun our inquiry, but no findings can be shared at this stage,” Garg stated, maintaining a tight-lipped stance on early developments.

The SIT, comprising Superintendents of Police S Vimala and C Shyamala Devi, an Additional Superintendent of Police, and five Inspectors, wasted no time in visiting the site of the tragedy. At Velusamypuram, the team meticulously examined evidence, including scattered footwear left behind by panicked attendees, to piece together the chaotic sequence of events. They also conducted detailed interviews with local police officials to understand how the crowd surged uncontrollably and what factors contributed to the deadly overcrowding.

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The Madras High Court, in a scathing order on Friday, had sharply criticized Vijay and senior TVK leaders for their alleged role in the stampede and for reportedly abandoning their supporters in the aftermath. The Court’s directive to form the SIT under IG Garg’s leadership underscored the urgency of uncovering the truth behind the disaster.

Prior to the SIT’s formation, the Tamil Nadu government had appointed a one-man commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident. Additionally, Central Zone IG Joshi Nirmal Kumar had formed special teams to probe the tragedy. Until Saturday, the investigation was spearheaded by Karur Additional Superintendent of Police N Premananth, who has now handed over all collected documents and evidence to the SIT, as mandated by the Court.

As the SIT digs deeper, questions loom over the planning and execution of the rally, with public and official scrutiny intensifying on TVK’s leadership. The investigation aims to uncover whether negligence, poor crowd control, or other lapses contributed to the catastrophic loss of life. For now, the people of Karur and the families of the victims await answers, as the SIT works to unravel the circumstances behind one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest rally tragedies.

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