Tamil Nadu BJP Leader and State Legal Cell Vice President G.S. Mani has approached the Supreme Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede tragedy that occurred on September 27 during a political rally organized by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which claimed 41 lives.

The petition, filed by Mani who is also a practising advocate seeks either a CBI investigation or an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a retired or sitting Supreme Court judge to ensure impartial inquiry into the incident.

The plea challenges the October 3 order of the Madras High Court, which had rejected multiple PILs, including Mani’s own writ petition, that sought a CBI probe and transfer of investigation from the State police. The High Court had instead permitted the ongoing investigation by the State authorities.

According to the petition, the September 27 rally organised by actor-politician Vijay, attended by nearly 30,000 people, was marred by gross mismanagement, inadequate crowd control, and a sudden power outage, which together triggered the stampede. The plea alleges serious lapses on the part of event organisers, district administration, police officials, and the electricity department, contending that the entire episode reflects criminal negligence.

“The incident is not only a case of criminal negligence but also a gross violation of Article 21 of the Constitution. A fair, free, and impartial investigation is an integral facet of the right to life and liberty, not only for victims but for every citizen. When the State machinery itself is under suspicion, investigation must be entrusted to an independent agency like the CBI, or a Special Investigation Team headed by a retired/sitting judge of the Supreme Court,” the plea asserts.

The petitioner has also sought enhanced compensation, demanding that the State pay ₹50,00,000 per deceased victim, and that actor Vijay and his political party pay ₹1,00,00,000 per deceased victim, over and above the ₹10 lakh compensation already announced by the State and ₹20 lakh ex gratia offered by Vijay.

The Special Leave Petition (SLP) has been filed through Advocate-on-Record R. Sathish.

It may be noted that a different Bench of the Madras High Court, on October 3, constituted an SIT headed by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg to investigate the incident. In a related development, TVK has also challenged the High Court’s order directing an SIT probe before the Supreme Court.

Cause Title: G.S. Mani v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.
Court: Supreme Court of India
Filed through: AoR R. Sathish