CHENNAI: Expressing pain over the loss of lives, the Madras High Court on Friday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives on September 27.
“Watching the videos is painful, ” said Justice N Senthilkumar, expressing shock that only two people had been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
The High Court pulled up the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders and organisers of the rally by actor-turned-politician Vijay for their failure to rescue the public and children, and for not taking responsibility for the incident.
“Whether they are leaders or party workers, after this incident, while the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and all political parties expressed grief and engaged in rescue efforts, the organisers of the event — the party members — had completely walked away, ” said the court.
While constituting the SIT, Justice Senthilkumar directed the Karur Police to immediately hand over all case documents related to the stampede to the probe panel.
In a related matter, the High Court reserved its decision on the anticipatory bail plea of TVK General Secretary Bussi Anand and Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar. The court did not specify a date for delivering its decision.
Earlier, the High Court took note of an accident involving Vijay’s campaign and asked, “Has a case been registered in this regard?”