SC orders CBI investigation into Karur stampede, ex-judge to monitor probe

Slams HC judge for entertaining plea and ordering SIT, suspends inquiry panel formed by TN

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY @ New Delhi

THE Supreme Court on Monday ordered a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede in which 41 people died and over 100 were injured during a rally organised by actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on September 27.

A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria said the incident has shaken the nation's conscience, left an imprint in the minds of the citizens throughout the country, and deserves a fair and impartial investigation. The bench, in its interim order on a plea by the TVK and three others seeking an independent probe, also set up a three-member supervisory committee headed by retired SC judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to monitor the CBI investigation. The committee will include two IPS officers of Tamil Nadu cadre who are not natives of TN.

"The officers of the CBI are directed to submit a monthly progress report of the probe to the committee, which may be placed for consideration before this court as and when required. We request that the investigation be completed as expeditiously as possible within the statutory time frame," the bench said.