SC to hear TVK's plea challenging Karur stampede SIT probe tomorrow

The Supreme Court is slated to hear Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) plea challenging the SIT probe over the tragic Karur stampede on Friday. The SIT was constituted by the Madras High Court while hearing pleas related to the stampede in Karur on September 27.

 

As per the Supreme Court's cause list, a bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria is scheduled to hear the matter. On Tuesday, a bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai agreed to hear a petition moved by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Anandan, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation over the tragic incident. The Madras High Court had dismissed the plea. 

 

As many as 41 people died during TVK leader Vijay's rally in  Karur on September 27. Over 50 people suffered injuries in the incident. Vijay-led alleged conspiracy behind the tragedy and demanded an independent probe to unearth the truth. 

 

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a one-member judicial commission to probe the incident. Former Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan is expected to submit the probe report within three months. The Commission has also been asked to suggest protocols for the safe conduct of such public meetings in the future.

 

The TVK has expressed doubts over the probe being conducted by the SIT and judicial commission, and sought an independent probe. TVK argued a fair and impartial probe would not be possible if conducted solely by officers of the Tamil Nadu Police.

 

While hearing the matter, the Madras High Court came down heavily on Vijay and the party, and said the party lacked remorse. The Court also dismissed anticipatory bail pleas moved by TVK functionaries Bussy N. Anand and C.T.R. Nirmalkumar in connection with the case.

India