The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has moved the Supreme Court seeking to restrain leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, including Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, from making public statements or raising allegations regarding the Karur stampede that resulted in 41 deaths.
In an impleadment petition filed on Friday, DMK Organising Secretary R S Bharathi requested the apex court to prevent TVK leaders from discussing the case publicly. The petition highlights concerns that ongoing public commentary could compromise the integrity of the active investigation, which is being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The legal move comes amid political shifts in Tamil Nadu. The DMK’s petition points out that several individuals who were originally named in the police chargesheet for the stampede have been appointed as ministers in the Tamil Nadu cabinet following the 2026 assembly elections.
Objections To Ministerial Statements
The DMK’s application specifically highlights a public address made on Thursday by Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna. In his speech, Arjuna allegedly claimed there was an outstanding score to settle regarding the Karur tragedy and accused the previous DMK-led government of causing the deaths through police actions.
In response, the DMK has asked the Supreme Court to direct the CBI to register a complaint and initiate action against Arjuna, arguing that his public statements amount to witness tampering, influencing key individuals, and obstructing the judicial process.
Concerns Over Chief Minister’s Planned Visit
The petition also addresses an upcoming visit by Chief Minister Vijay to Karur, scheduled for July 10. During this visit, the Chief Minister is expected to meet with the families of the stampede victims to distribute state benefits, including orders for compassionate employment.
The DMK argues that direct engagement between the current political executive and material witnesses, particularly while handing out government aid related to the incident under investigation, poses a significant risk. According to the petition, such actions create a reasonable apprehension, whether real or perceived, regarding the fairness and impartiality of the ongoing inquiry.
Background Of The Federal Investigation
The Supreme Court had previously transferred the stampede investigation to the CBI, ruling that the tragedy had shaken the national conscience and demanded an independent inquiry. That order was issued in response to a petition filed by the TVK, which was then led by actor-politician Vijay.
To ensure a fair probe, the Supreme Court also established a three-member supervisory committee, led by former apex court judge Ajay Rastogi, to monitor the progress of the CBI investigation.
Earlier reports from the local police indicated that the rally where the stampede occurred attracted approximately 27,000 attendees, nearly three times the expected crowd of 10,000. At the time, law enforcement authorities attributed the tragedy to a seven-hour delay in Vijay’s arrival at the venue.
