The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred during a political event in Karur, Tamil Nadu, last month. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of four women and left several others injured, has now escalated into a major legal and political issue.
CBI Registers Case, Key Figures Named
On Sunday, the CBI registered a fresh case in connection with the stampede. The First Information Report (FIR) names Vijay, the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, and popular Tamil actor Vijay as accused. The case has been filed under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other relevant charges.
The stampede took place on December 11, 2023, at a private school ground in Karur's Inam Kulathur area. The event was a public gathering organized by the TVK party, which was distributing welfare aid. A massive crowd had gathered, leading to a chaotic situation where people fell over each other, resulting in the fatal crush.
Sequence of Events and Initial Probe
Following the incident, the Karur police had initially registered a case. The local investigation pointed towards severe lapses in crowd management and a failure to obtain necessary permissions for an event of such a large scale. The police had questioned several party functionaries and organizers.
However, citing the need for an impartial and comprehensive investigation, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recommended a CBI probe. The central agency accepted the request and has now initiated its own proceedings. The CBI team is expected to examine all aspects, including event planning, safety protocols ignored, and responsibility for the crowd control failure.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The naming of TVK chief Vijay, who is a prominent political figure with aspirations for the upcoming state elections, has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Supporters of the TVK have expressed their dismay, while opposition parties have demanded strict accountability.
Public reaction has been one of grief and anger. The families of the deceased victims have been seeking justice, emphasizing that the tragedy was a preventable disaster caused by negligence. The incident has sparked a wider debate about safety standards at large political rallies and public gatherings across India.
The CBI's involvement is seen as a critical step towards an unbiased investigation. The agency will likely summon key organizers, review video evidence from the event, and reconstruct the circumstances that led to the stampede. The legal process is now set to determine the chain of responsibility for the lapses that cost four lives.
