The Tamil actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court order setting up a Special Investigation Team to probe the Karur stampede.
The TVK claims a fair and impartial probe would be impossible if conducted by the Tamil Nadu Police alone. They've demanded an independent investigation led by a retired judge under the Supreme Court’s supervision.
The Supreme Court has taken note of the plea and agreed to hear it on Friday. The court will also hear a separate petition challenging the High Court's refusal to transfer the case to the CBI.
Madras High Court's order
The Madras High Court order on October 3 had condemned TVK for abandoning their followers in the aftermath Karur stampede. Over 41 people were killed and hundreds injured in the incident.
The petition was filed by TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna through advocates Dixita Gohil, Pranjal Agarwal and Yash S. Vijay. The PIL field before the Supreme Court also takes a strong objection to the High Court's remarks.
According to the Tamil Nadu police, the turnout of 27,000 people was way higher than the 10,000 participants expected at the rally. Police also blamed Vijay for the seven-hour delay in reaching the venue.
