Published Jul 03, 2026 | 2:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2026 | 2:24 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Synopsis: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has moved the Supreme Court seeking to restrain Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and three of his Cabinet colleagues from making public statements on the Karur stampede case, arguing that such remarks could affect the ongoing CBI probe. The party has also sought safeguards for any interaction between the accused and witnesses, citing the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to Karur to meet victims’ families.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Ministers Aadhav, Anand and Nirmal from making public statements on the Karur stampede case, contending that comments by persons arrayed as accused could prejudice the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe ordered by the apex court.
The petition, filed by DMK Organising Secretary RS Bharathi argues that statements by accused persons during the pendency of the investigation could influence witnesses and undermine the fairness of the probe.
The stampede occurred on 27 September 2025 during a TVK public meeting attended by Vijay, then campaigning for the Assembly elections, in Velusamipuram, Karur. It claimed 41 lives and left around 100 others injured.
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The plea also seeks court-approved safeguards governing any interaction between the accused and witnesses. It points to reports of the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to Karur on 10 July to distribute government welfare assistance and compassionate appointments to the families of those killed in the stampede.
Since many of the beneficiaries are also material witnesses in the CBI investigation, the petitioner argues that safeguards are necessary to preserve the integrity of the probe.
The petition has also requested the CBI to examine a speech delivered by Minister Aadhav Arjuna on 2 July. According to the petition, Aadhav, who is himself an accused in the case, held former Chief Minister MK Stalin responsible for the tragedy.
