The Supreme Court of India has scheduled an urgent hearing for Tuesday to address allegations that Tamil Nadu ministers are actively attempting to influence witnesses in the ongoing investigation into last year’s fatal Karur stampede.
An apex court bench consisting of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu agreed to review the matter on July 7. The decision followed a request from senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing DMK Organising Secretary R.S. Bharathi, who argued that certain accused individuals currently serving as ministers in the state government are trying to compromise witness testimonies.
Urgent Hearing Scheduled
Bharathi has filed an interlocutory application seeking to be formally impleaded as a party-respondent in the ongoing case. The petition asks the court to restrain individuals connected to the case, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Minister Aadhav Arjuna, from engaging with the families of the victims or making public comments about the active investigation.
The application specifically calls on the court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a complaint and proceed against Arjuna for public statements he made on July 2, 2026, which the petitioner alleges were designed to tamper with witnesses and obstruct the investigation.
Restraints Sought Against Chief Minister
Additionally, the plea seeks a court order prohibiting Chief Minister Vijay, Minister Arjuna, and other associates—including Bussy Anand and CT Nirmal Kumar—from issuing public remarks that assign criminal liability, threaten political opponents, or comment on the merits of the pending case in a manner that could prejudice the probe.
To safeguard the integrity of the evidence, the application also requests that any state-provided welfare measures, employment offers, or financial aid for the victims’ families be distributed only under court-mandated safeguards. Under the proposed terms, the state would be required to submit any such relief plans to the CBI before they are implemented.
Background Of The Tragedy
The legal dispute follows a stampede on September 27, 2025, during a public gathering organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur. The tragedy resulted in 41 deaths and left 142 people injured.
Following the incident, the Supreme Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on October 13, 2025. The federal probe is currently being monitored by a committee led by former Supreme Court Judge Ajay Rastogi.
