A high-level committee appointed by the Supreme Court has arrived in Tamil Nadu to oversee the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) probe into the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. The panel, headed by retired judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, is set to commence a rigorous three-day on-ground inspection starting Tuesday.
Committee's Arrival and Inspection Agenda
Committee members reached Coimbatore on Monday evening, marking the start of their crucial supervisory visit. Justice Rastogi is scheduled to spend the next three days in Karur, where he will personally oversee the investigation's progress. His itinerary includes a visit to the Velsumamypuram stampede site, an inspection of the CBI's temporary camp office, and direct meetings with the families affected by the disaster.
Ahead of the committee's arrival, CBI DIG Atul Kumar Thakur visited the Velsumamypuram location, underscoring the importance of the ongoing investigation. The CBI has been actively investigating the incident since September 16, operating from a temporary office established at the camp office on the Karur collectorate premises.
Scope of the CBI Investigation
Over the past month, the CBI team, which includes Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar and ASP Mukesh Kumar, has conducted an extensive inquiry. Their work has involved questioning a wide range of individuals connected to the event.
The agency has recorded statements from:
- Families of the deceased
- Injured survivors of the stampede
- District- and state-level functionaries of the Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) who organized the event
- Police personnel on security duty, including Karur Town Inspector Manivannan and DSP Selvaraj
- Ambulance drivers involved in rescue operations
- Local street vendors and residents of Velsumamypuram
Ensuring Accountability and Justice
The Supreme Court's decision to appoint a supervisory committee highlights the seriousness with which the judicial system is treating this tragedy. The on-ground inspection by Justice Rastogi's panel aims to ensure the CBI probe is thorough, transparent, and leaves no stone unturned in determining the causes and accountability for the stampede.
The committee's direct interaction with affected families is a significant step, intended to hear their grievances firsthand and ensure their voices are central to the investigative process. The nation awaits the findings of this meticulous inspection, hoping it will pave the way for justice for the victims and preventive measures for the future.
