The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has filed an application in the Supreme Court regarding the Karur stampede case. This move is in response to recent public statements made by a Tamil Nadu Minister accused in the case and the proposed distribution of government benefits to victims’ families. The DMK alleges that these actions could impact the ongoing court-monitored CBI investigation.
The application, submitted by R.S. Bharathi, the Organising Secretary of the DMK, seeks to be included as a respondent in the proceedings related to the tragic incident that occurred on September 27, 2025. During a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally, 41 people lost their lives, and 142 others were injured in the stampede.
The Supreme Court had previously transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of a committee led by former apex court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. This decision came after concerns were raised about the handling of the case and remarks made by the court about the proceedings before the Madras High Court. The DMK’s application highlights a speech by Tamil Nadu Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna, an accused in the case, where he allegedly blamed the previous DMK government for the Karur deaths.
The DMK’s plea emphasizes that statements made by a Cabinet Minister under investigation could prejudice the fairness of the CBI investigation. It also raises concerns about the potential interference with the investigative process and the creation of a public perception linking the DMK to the incident for political purposes.
