The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to urgently hear a petition alleging attempts to influence witnesses in the ongoing investigation into the 2025 Karur stampede, a tragedy that claimed 41 lives during a political rally in Tamil Nadu.
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu is scheduled to take up the matter on Tuesday after senior counsel sought an expedited hearing, citing concerns that the integrity of the investigation could be compromised.
Plea Raises Concerns Over Ongoing Investigation
The petition alleges that individuals facing accusations in the case, who are now serving as ministers in the Tamil Nadu government, are attempting to influence witnesses while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its probe.
The Supreme Court accepted the request for an urgent listing, recognising the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the ongoing investigation.
Case Linked To 2025 Karur Stampede
The matter relates to the fatal stampede that occurred on September 27, 2025, during a public outreach programme organised by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur.
A sudden crowd surge at the event resulted in the deaths of 41 people, prompting nationwide attention and demands for an independent investigation.
CBI Probe Under Judicial Supervision
The Supreme Court had earlier transferred the investigation from the state Special Investigation Team to the CBI, observing that an impartial probe was necessary.
A three-member supervisory panel headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi was also constituted to oversee the progress of the investigation.
The CBI is examining multiple aspects of the incident, including crowd control measures, permissions granted for the rally, event planning and adherence to public safety protocols.
Investigation Examining Event Planning
Investigators are also reviewing the sequence of events on the day of the rally, including the impact of delays in the programme and whether adequate arrangements such as entry and exit routes, emergency planning and public safety infrastructure were in place.
The agency has also been examining the organisational decisions behind the event and the responsibilities of those involved in its planning.
Political Developments Around The Case
TVK president and actor Vijay has already appeared before the CBI in connection with the investigation.
Meanwhile, the DMK has separately approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to restrain political leaders from making public comments on the case, arguing that such statements could affect the ongoing investigation.
The latest petition seeks judicial intervention to ensure that witnesses remain free from external influence and that the CBI investigation proceeds without interference.
