Madras High Court rejects plea seeking CBI probe into Karur stampede

Court dismisses plea for CBI investigation into Karur stampede while also dismissing anticipatory bail for TVK leader.

Updated on: Oct 3, 2025, 18:18:54 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Madras High Court has rejected a plea filed by BJP leader Uma Anandan seeking a CBI probe into the Karur stampede that took place during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally on September 27.

While dismissing the anticipatory bail, the judge raised questions on why the party failed to control the mob, and highlighted the unruly behaviour of their supporters. (PTI)

Uma Anandan had urged the court to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, citing unanswered questions and alleging possible official apathy behind the incident. However, a division bench declined the request and directed the petitioner to approach the Madurai bench of the High Court, which has jurisdiction over the matter.

In a separate development, Justice N Senthilkumar dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) district secretary N Sathish Kumar in connection with the case. While rejecting the bail plea, the court questioned the party’s failure to control the crowd and pointed to the unruly behaviour of supporters, including the rampage and damage to public property during Vijay’s roadshow.

Police have registered nine FIRs against party members, including the district secretary, over the destruction of public property during the incident.

The stampede that occurred at the rally of Vijay led to the death of 41 people.

Also read: 'All truth will come out': What Vijay said after Karur stampede kills 41 | Watch

CM Stalin criticised the BJP and Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sitaraman for rushing to Karur after the stampede, stating that the Centre had ignored Tamil Nadu during previous disasters.

He said, "When Tamil Nadu was struck by three major disasters, affecting thousands of people, the Union BJP Finance Minister neither visited nor provided any funds,” he said. He also said that while the BJP did not send inquiry commissions for the Manipur riots, the Gujarat incidents or the Kumbh mela death, they are sending a team to Karur. “Not out of any genuine concern for Tamil Nadu, but simply because elections are due next year," he added.

Stalin also targeted the AIADMK, accusing it of supporting a party that neglects state interests.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur urged the Tamil Nadu C M MK Stalin to take full charge of the situation and direct authorities to release a comprehensive report at the earliest. Thakur was a member of the NDA-BJP fact-finding delegation that visited Karur.

(With input from ANI and PTI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.