The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) approached the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking a directive to restrain Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and other leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from making public statements or levelling what it termed “false accusations” in connection with the Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives.
DMK’s Plea in the Supreme Court
The plea was filed by DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi, who sought to be made a party in a pending case related to the incident. Bharathi submitted that several individuals initially chargesheeted in the case are now ministers in the Tamil Nadu cabinet following the 2026 assembly elections.
Referring to a public statement allegedly made on Thursday by Tamil Nadu minister Aadhav Arjuna, the plea pointed out that the minister reportedly said there was “a score to settle” over the Karur incident. Arjuna allegedly claimed that the previous DMK government had “killed” Karur people through the police.
Demand for Restraint on Public Statements
Bharathi has sought directions against Chief Minister Vijay and TVK ministers, including Arjuna, Bussy Anand, and CT Nirmal Kumar. He urged the top court to restrain them and others connected with the case from making public statements on the merits of the pending investigation into the Karur stampede.
Safeguards for Victim Families
Bharathi also demanded safeguards before the state government distributes benefits, government orders, or compassionate appointments to the families of those who died or were injured during the stampede. While maintaining that the DMK had no objection to welfare measures for the victims’ families, the party highlighted that these families are material witnesses in the ongoing case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi.
Background of the Karur Stampede
The Karur stampede occurred earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of 41 people and injuries to several others. The incident sparked political controversy, with accusations flying between the DMK and TVK. The CBI is currently investigating the case under the oversight of a retired Supreme Court judge.
