• Source:JND
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The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has moved the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation, led by a former SC judge, into the stampede at party president and actor Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district on September 27, which claimed 41 lives and left several injured. 

The plea, filed through advocates Dixita Gohil, Pranjal Agarwal, and Yash S Vijay, challenges the Madras High Court’s October 3 order directing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police to conduct a detailed probe into the incident, news agency ANI reported.

ALSO READ: Will CBI Probe Karur Stampede? SC To Hear Plea On Investigation Demand; Check Vijay's Latest Move To Console Victims' Families

"The Petitioner-party as well as its leaders are prejudiced by the order which appoints an SIT composed solely of officers of the State Police, especially in the face of the observations of the Hon'ble high court expressing its dissatisfaction with the independence of State Police and its conduct, and prejudicial factual findings against the Petitioner," the plea states.

The petition contends that although the Madras High Court expressed concerns over the independence of the police probe, it still ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team comprising solely senior officers from the Tamil Nadu Police.

The petition alleges that a possible conspiracy by certain individuals to create chaos at the rally cannot be ruled out, stating the need for an impartial investigation to examine all versions of events. It claims the Madras High Court’s remarks against TVK have prejudiced the party and its leaders, issued without verifying facts, examining evidence, or allowing them to respond, violating principles of natural justice. 

The plea specifically challenges the court’s criticism of TVK leaders for allegedly “fleeing the scene” and failing to assist the public.

According to the plea, such observations are factually incorrect, misleading and contrary to the record. "The contemporaneous sequence of events clearly establishes that, upon receiving information that certain individuals had fainted during the event, the Petitioner's leadership and Party cadre took immediate and coordinated steps to ensure medical aid and relief were provided without delay," the plea asserts.

What Madras High Court Said On Vijay’s Rally Stamped 

1. On October 3, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police to conduct a detailed investigation into the stampede that killed 41 people and injured many.

2. The High Court banned political rallies, road shows, and similar public events along state and national highways until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are put in place.

ALSO READ: Karur Stampede: TVK Supremo Vijay Speaks To Families Of Victims On Video Call, Assures Support

3. TVK party workers were strongly criticised by the High Court for failing to help the public during the incident, while the State government was questioned for its lenient approach toward holding event organisers accountable.

4. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on Friday, October 10, an appeal challenging the Madras High Court’s dismissal of a plea seeking a CBI probe into the September 27 stampede.