Karur stampede: DMK seeks impleadment in SC, alleges Minister’s remarks could prejudice CBI probe

New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has moved an impleadment application before the Supreme Court in the pending Karur stampede case, alleging that recent public statements made by a Tamil Nadu Minister accused in the case, as well as the proposed distribution of government benefits to victims’ families, could prejudice the ongoing court-monitored CBI investigation.

The application has been filed by R.S. Bharathi, Organising Secretary of the DMK, seeking to be impleaded as a respondent in the proceedings arising out of the September 27, 2025 Karur stampede, in which 41 people lost their lives, and 142 others were injured during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally.

The plea comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s earlier decision to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of a committee headed by former apex court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, after expressing concern over the manner in which the matter was being dealt with and remarking that “something is wrong” with the proceedings before the Madras High Court.

Referring to a speech delivered on July 2 by Tamil Nadu Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna, who is also an accused in the case, the application alleged that the Minister publicly declared there was “a score to settle” and accused the previous DMK government of being responsible for the deaths in Karur.

According to the plea, such statements by a sitting Cabinet Minister who is himself facing investigation are “wholly impermissible during the pendency of the investigation and are liable to prejudice the fairness of the ongoing process monitored by this Hon’ble Court.”

The application further alleged that the speech “is intended to interfere with the investigation of CBI appointed by this Hon’ble Court and calculated to create a public perception that DMK and its leadership is responsible for the incident for political gains.”

It also referred to media reports indicating that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is likely to visit Karur on July 10 to distribute government benefits, including compassionate appointments, to the families of those who died in the stampede.

Clarifying that it does not oppose welfare measures, the plea said it has “no objection whatsoever to the State Government extending ex gratia assistance, compassionate appointments or any other welfare measures to the families of the deceased and injured victims.”

However, it argued that the victims’ families are also material witnesses in the court-monitored CBI investigation and that direct interaction with them by persons connected with the subject matter of the case “has the potential to give rise to an apprehension, whether real or perceived, regarding the fairness and independence of the investigative process.”

The application recalled that even before assuming office, Vijay had allegedly distributed Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured while criminal proceedings were pending. It further highlighted that following the 2026 Assembly elections, several persons accused in the stampede case, including Vijay and other senior TVK leaders, now hold ministerial positions in the Tamil Nadu government.

Describing the developments as constituting an “extraordinary situation”, the plea said: “The cumulative effect of these developments gives rise to a reasonable and bona fide apprehension that the independence and fairness of the ongoing investigation may be compromised unless appropriate safeguards are issued by this Hon’ble Court.”

It sought directions that, pending completion of the CBI investigation, no person connected with the subject matter of the case should interact with material witnesses while distributing benefits arising out of the incident except in a manner approved by the Supreme Court, and, if deemed appropriate, after obtaining the views of the CBI.

The plea added that a separate application would be filed seeking contempt proceedings against Minister Aadhav Arjuna over his public remarks.

–IANS

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