Wed Oct 08 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: BJP Leader Seeks CBI Probe into Karur Stampede, Alleges Negligence at Vijay Rally

**New Delhi:** A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by Tamil Nadu BJP leader and State Legal Cell Vice President, G.S. Mani, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the deadly stampede that occurred on September 27th during a rally organized by actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Karur. Mani alleges the incident, which he claims resulted in 41 deaths, was due to gross negligence and mismanagement.

Mani’s petition challenges the October 3rd order of the Madras High Court, which dismissed a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), including his own, requesting a CBI investigation. He argues that the High Court failed to recognize the severity of the lapses leading to the stampede, citing the presence of approximately 30,000 people, a sudden power outage, and inadequate safety arrangements.

“Serious lapses on the part of the higher-level organizers, district officials, police authorities and the electricity department can’t be ignored,” the petition states. It further asserts that the incident represents not only criminal negligence but also a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and liberty. Mani argues that when the state machinery itself is under suspicion, an independent agency like the CBI, or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a retired or sitting Supreme Court judge, is necessary for a fair investigation.

Beyond seeking a CBI probe, Mani is also advocating for significantly increased compensation for the victims’ families. He is demanding Rs. 50 lakh from the state government and Rs. 1 crore from actor Vijay and his party, TVK, per deceased victim. The current compensation stands at Rs. 10 lakh from the state and Rs. 20 lakh from Vijay.

The Special Leave Petition (SLP) has been filed through Advocate-on-Record R. Sathish.

This development comes as a Madras High Court bench has already established a SIT, led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg, to investigate the incident. Notably, TVK has also filed a petition challenging the High Court’s order for the SIT investigation. The Supreme Court is yet to hear the petition and determine the course of the investigation into the Karur tragedy.

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