New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday on petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede during a political rally led by actor and TVK founder Vijay in Tamil Nadu, a tragedy that claimed 41 lives and injured over 100 others.

According to the causelist published on the apex court’s website, a bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria will pronounce its decision on October 13 regarding a batch of petitions demanding an independent investigation.

While Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has requested a probe under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court judge, other petitioners, including BJP leader Uma Anandan, have called for a CBI inquiry.

The stampede, one of the worst crowd-control failures in Tamil Nadu in recent years, triggered nationwide concern over public safety at political events.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the incident, rejecting a petition for a CBI investigation.

In an order passed on September 3, the Madras High Court criticised TVK’s leadership for abandoning their followers immediately after the tragedy.

“Shockingly, the programme organisers, including the leader of the political party, absconded from the venue, abandoning their own cadres, followers, and fans. There is neither remorse, nor responsibility, nor even an expression of regret,” observed a single-judge bench of Justice N. Senthilkumar.

The court strongly condemned the conduct of Vijay and the event organisers, adding that the party should have taken immediate action to rescue and assist those caught in the stampede, which included children, women, and young people.

In its special leave petition (SLP), TVK Secretary Aadhav Arjuna objected to what the party described as “unverified and prejudicial observations” by the Madras High Court, stating that party leaders and cadres had coordinated relief and medical aid immediately as reports of fainting emerged.

The Madras High Court had instructed the SIT to carry out an impartial and time-bound investigation and submit periodic progress updates.

IANS