The Supreme Court’s order transferring the investigation into the Karur stampede to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has triggered mixed political reactions in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties hailing it as a victory for justice, while the ruling DMK termed it an interim development.The tragic incident, which claimed 41 lives during a rally organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay, has been under intense public and political scrutiny.
DMK’s Rajya Sabha MP and senior counsel P. Wilson, who represented the State government, said the Apex Court’s decision was only an interim order. He cautioned that it could be cancelled if it was proven that the petitions seeking the probe were filed fraudulently, citing the legal principle that “fraud vitiates all solemn acts.” Wilson added that the one-member commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan would continue its inquiry as there was no bar on it.
Reacting briefly, TVK founder Vijay wrote on social media, “Justice will win.”
AIADMK General Secretary and Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the Supreme Court’s directive, calling it a “landmark judgment” that reinforced the people’s right to a fair and impartial probe. He said only an independent investigation could bring justice and fix accountability.
Former BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai also welcomed the move, saying he had demanded a CBI probe from the beginning. Union Minister L. Murugan called the order a “major setback” for the DMK government and said the truth would now come to light.
PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss termed the verdict “a welcome development,” adding that it would help uncover the conspiracies behind the tragedy. He reiterated that the PMK was the first party to demand a CBI probe and urged the State government to fully cooperate with the investigation.
However, Naam Tamizhar Katchi founder Seeman opposed the Supreme Court’s decision, calling it an “insult” to Tamil Nadu and its police force. He said handing over the probe to the CBI even before the State police could begin its investigation was an affront to State autonomy.
The Apex Court has ordered that the CBI inquiry be conducted under the supervision of retired Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi.