CBI takes over the investigation in the Karur stampede case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe in the Karur stampede case, agency sources said on Sunday.

A special CBI team has been pressed into action to gather evidence. The agency re-registered the case on the directions of the Supreme Court on October 13. Describing the tragedy as one that has “shaken the national conscience”, the court ordered a CBI probe into the stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a rally organised by the Tamilaga Vettri  Kazhagam (TVK).

Observing that the incident had “left an imprint in the minds of citizens across the country” and the kin of the deceased had knocked on its “doors” seeking an “unbiased” investigation, the court also constituted a three-member monitoring committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, to supervise the progress of the CBI  investigation.

The monitoring committee is authorised to undertake an inquiry into “any matter ancillary or incidental” to the stampede, as may be necessary, to ensure a fair and transparent probe. The CBI will submit monthly progress reports to the committee.

The court observed that entrusting the probe to the same police force whose senior officials had publicly exonerated their subordinates would compromise the credibility of the investigation. “This fact in itself creates a doubt in the minds of the general public about the independence and impartiality of the investigation… Caught in the doldrums are the families of the deceased, injured victims and kith and kin of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. For them, the political tussle between the two sides is of little solace,” it said, hearing a batch of petitions.

The petitions included the one filed by the TVK, challenging the Madras High Court’s October 3 order that had accused party president Vijay and other leaders of “fleeing” the scene.