Unmasking the Truth: TVK Demands CBI Probe into Karur Stampede, Alleges DMK Cover-up

In a powerful pursuit of justice and transparency, the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) has taken a decisive step, petitioning the Madras High Court to transfer the investigation of the devastating Karur stampede to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The party alleges direct involvement of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the incident and a subsequent attempt by local police to dilute the truth, sparking a fierce demand for an impartial federal inquiry.

The tragic event unfolded in Kulithalai, Karur district, during a public gathering where Chief Minister M.K.

Stalin was present to distribute welfare assistance. While the event was officially for government aid, it quickly devolved into chaos, allegedly due to DMK functionaries distributing gifts and tokens for sarees and dhotis, coupled with unconfirmed reports of cash handouts. This volatile mix led to a stampede that claimed the lives of two elderly women and left ten others injured, casting a dark shadow over the proceedings.

TVK President Velmurugan, spearheading the charge, has not minced words.

His petition to the High Court meticulously details the party's grave concerns, painting a picture of a compromised local investigation. Velmurugan asserts that the FIR filed by the Karur police is deliberately weak, naming only a handful of minor volunteers while conspicuously omitting any mention of the DMK's significant organizational role in the event.

This, he argues, is a blatant attempt to shield high-ranking party members and obscure the true chain of command responsible for the ill-fated gathering.

The TVK’s allegations extend beyond mere negligence. They claim that the police investigation is inherently biased, heavily influenced by the political power of the ruling DMK.

"How can we expect a fair and fearless investigation when the very party accused of orchestrating the event is in power?" Velmurugan questioned, highlighting the need for an agency free from local political pressures. The party points to inconsistencies in police statements, which initially downplayed the stampede as a 'minor scuffle,' further fueling suspicions of a cover-up.

The petition stresses that the incident was not a simple accident but a direct consequence of the DMK's alleged practice of distributing inducements, creating a massive, uncontrollable crowd that ultimately led to the fatal stampede.

The TVK firmly believes that only a CBI probe can cut through the layers of local influence and bring to light the full extent of political responsibility, ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their grieving families. This move to the High Court signifies a critical juncture in the fight for accountability, pushing for transparency where local mechanisms are perceived to have failed.