TVK wants stampede probe transfered to CBI

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Monday filed a writ petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking the transfer of the probe into the Karur stampede which has claimed at least 41 lives and left more than 60 injured from the State police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

- FPJ News Service

The plea came even as the FIR recorded that actor-politician Vijay, head of TVK, had remained inside his campaign vehicle at Velusamypuram on Sept 27 for an extended period, leading to overcrowding and restlessness among thousands of supporters.

In its petition, TVK alleged that the tragedy was "solely motivated by the DMK and its functionaries." Party counsel Arivazhagan told reporters that photographs and supporting documents had been enclosed along with the plea, and that the High Court will hear the matter on October 3.

Justice Jagadeesan, who has been tasked with probing the incident, visited the government hospital on Monday and interacted with survivors. She assured that a detailed report would be submitted to the State government once the inquiry was completed.

At the same time, Additional Superintendent of Police Premanandan has been appointed as the new investigating officer for the police probe, even as TVK presses its demand for a CBI-led investigation.