By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 05:08 PM
**Madras High Court Slams Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Leaders Over Karur Stampede Tragedy**
The Madras High Court has strongly criticized Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders, including the party chief Vijay, for their conduct during the recent Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. The court observed that Vijay “fled from the scene of occurrence” and highlighted the lack of remorse shown by the party after the tragic event.
The bench emphasized that it “cannot close its eyes and avoid responsibilities” since “the entire world has witnessed the events.” The stampede, which took place amid poor crowd management, has raised serious concerns about accountability and safety measures during large public gatherings.
**SIT Probe Ordered by High Court**
During the hearing, the Madras High Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by senior Indian Police Service officer Asra Garg, to thoroughly investigate the incident. The bench pointed out troubling details, including how two-wheelers were trapped under a TVK bus, yet the driver did not stop despite witnessing the distress.
“Is it not a case of hit and run?” the judges questioned. They also asked the police, “Why was a case of hit and run not registered? Why have the police failed to take cognizance of it?”
**Accountability and Responsibility Questioned**
Justice Senthilkumar of the Madurai Bench criticized the poor management of the stampede and expressed concern over the state’s leniency toward Vijay.
The court also turned its attention to the event organizers and police authorities, asking, “Don’t you have any responsibility?” It underscored that this man-made disaster, which resulted in 41 innocent deaths, necessitates that the court cannot remain a “mute spectator” or shirk its duties.
These remarks were made while hearing a plea filed by a man who had petitioned state officials, urging that clear guidelines for roadshows be established and that a comprehensive inquiry into the stampede be conducted.
**Earlier Refusal of CBI Probe**
Previously, a division bench of the Madurai High Court had refused to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, stating that the Tamil Nadu Police are still investigating and noting that the petitions were filed by individuals not directly affected by the tragedy.
“If aggrieved persons come, we will rescue. Who are you? Don’t treat this court as the political arena,” Justices M. Dhandapani and M. Jothiraman had remarked.
**Details of the Rally Conditions**
Reports indicate that the TVK rally was sanctioned for approximately 10,000 attendees but attracted an estimated 25,000 to 60,000 people. Attendees reportedly arrived early and waited for hours under scorching heat, with inadequate access to water and toilets.
The situation worsened due to restricted roadways, insufficient crowd control measures, and escape routes blocked by ropes, barricades, and hoardings, contributing to the catastrophic outcomes.
—
The ongoing investigations and court hearings continue to shed light on the tragic event, as authorities and organizers face scrutiny over safety lapses and preventive failures. Further updates are awaited on the SIT’s findings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/you-from-stampede-scene-showed-no-remorse-court-blasts-vijay/story
