Tamil Nadu: Special Investigation team begins probe into Karur stampede

Karur (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 5 (ANI): The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Madras High Court, has commenced its probe into the Karur stampede of September 27, which claimed 41 lives during a public meeting addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay. The SIT, led by Inspector General of Police (North Zone) Asra Garg, has reached the spot to probe into the incident. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday expressed deep anguish over the recent tragedy in Karur and assured that the state government is taking all measures to ensure accountability and prevent future disasters. In a post shared on X, CM Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu government is treating all the observations and directions

issued by the Honourable High Court regarding the Karur tragedy with the utmost seriousness. We are all deeply shaken by the sorrowful events in Karur. I feel great anguish for every family suffering the loss of a loved one and share in their tears and pain.” He confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted under the orders of the High Court, will begin its inquiry, assuring the public that the investigation will uncover the full truth and ensure accountability at every level. “An SIT, constituted under the orders of the Honourable High Court, will commence its inquiry. As the Chief Minister of the state, I assure the people that this investigation will bring out the full truth. Accountability will be ensured at every level,” Stalin said. Moreover, the Chief Minister also outlined plans to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Tamil Nadu, a frontrunner for India in many areas, will also lead the way in preventing stampede disasters. We will consult departmental experts, political parties, activists, and the general public across the state to draft comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These SOPs will serve as a model for not only Tamil Nadu but for the entire country to follow,” he said. Among the deceased are 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys, bringing the total to 41. So far, 34 victims are from the Karur district, two each from the Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul districts, and one from the Salem district. The massive crowd at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally on the evening of September 27 reportedly turned chaotic, triggering panic among the crowd. As several attendees fainted, they were rushed to nearby hospitals. (ANI)