Justice N Senthilkumar passed the order while hearing a petition which questioned why Vijay was not named in the criminal case registered in the wake of the stampede.
The Madras High Court on Friday ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the September 27 stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, where 41 persons died after crowds swelled to see actor-turned-politician and TVK founder Vijay speak.
Justice N Senthilkumar passed the order while hearing a petition that sought the introduction of a standard operating protocol (SOP) to be followed during road shows.
The Court expressed concern that the State’s investigation so far has been inadequate. This was after it noted that the State was yet to register any criminal case in respect of two accidents that allegedly involved collisions with Vijay’s bus amid the stampede. Notably, Vijay has not been named in any FIR registered after the stampede.
“This Court expresses its deep anguish and concern over the failure of the authorities to take action. Even in the absence of a formal complaint from the aggrieved parties, it is the duty of the State to register a suo motu FIR and ensure that the accused face trial in accordance with law,” Justice Senthilkumar said.
He proceeded to order a SIT probe into the matter, and ordered the State to transfer all case-related to materials to this SIT.
“This Court cannot close its eyes, remain a mute spectator, and shrink from its constitutional responsibilities,” the judge said.
The SIT is to be headed by Asra Garg, Inspector General of Police (North Zone). The other members of the team are Vimala (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Namakkal and Shyamaladevi, Superintendent of Police, CSCID. The Court added that additional members may be inducted into the team, as required, by Garg.
The Court also cricitised the TVK leadership for how it has handled the matter.
Interestingly, a Division Bench of the High Court’s seat at Madurai had earlier today refused to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter, after noting that the State’s investigation into the case was at a nascent stage.
On September 27, a stampede unfolded at a rally organised by the TVK party in Veluswamypuram, Karur district, when Vijay was campaigning.
