Witness Influence Allegations In Karur Stampede Case Reach Supreme Court For Hearing

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on July 7 an application alleging that Tamil Nadu ministers are “actively influencing” witnesses in the ongoing CBI investigation into last year’s Karur stampede case. The matter was mentioned before a partial working day Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu, which subsequently agreed to list it for hearing on Tuesday.

The application forms part of a court-monitored probe ordered by the apex court earlier into the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives during an event in Karur district. Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that the plea raises concerns over interference in the investigation and sought urgent listing of the matter. He submitted that certain individuals named in the charge sheet, who now hold ministerial positions, were attempting to influence witnesses connected to the case.

Responding to the submission, the Bench stated, “We will have it tomorrow,” indicating that the matter would be taken up on July 7. The petition has raised questions over the integrity of witness protection and the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

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In the interlocutory application filed before the court, senior DMK leader R S Bharathi alleged that recent public statements made by Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, who is among those charge-sheeted in the case, could potentially prejudice the investigation. The plea argued that such public remarks risk influencing witnesses and undermining the fairness of the ongoing probe.

The application also referred to reports that Chief Minister M K Stalin is expected to visit Karur on July 10 to distribute government orders, compassionate appointments and other relief measures to families of victims. It sought directions to ensure that interactions with victims’ families, who are considered material witnesses in the case, do not adversely impact the investigation or compromise witness statements.

The Supreme Court had earlier, on October 13 last year, ordered a CBI probe into the stampede, observing that the tragedy had “shaken the national conscience” and required a fair, independent and impartial investigation. The court had also suspended the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to appoint a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a one-member commission of inquiry, transferring the case entirely under CBI supervision.

To oversee the investigation, the apex court had constituted a three-member supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. It had also directed the Tamil Nadu government to extend full cooperation to the CBI during the course of the investigation. The case continues to be closely monitored by the Supreme Court given its scale and sensitivity, with the latest allegations adding a new layer of legal scrutiny over the conduct of political figures and the integrity of witness testimony in the ongoing probe.

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