The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government has challenged the Supreme Court's order directing a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the tragic Karur stampede. The state government argued there were "no exceptional circumstances exist to direct central agency intervention."
In its petition, the Tamil Nadu government urged the apex court to lift its October 13 order directing a CBI probe into the stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay's rally in Karur. Hearing a plea moved by the TVK, the apex court halted a probe by the Tamil Nadu police's SIT and a one-member judicial commission, and ordered a probe by the CBI. As many as 41 people died in the tragic stampede.
In its affidavit, the state said the Tamil Nadu police and its SIT are fully competent to conduct a "fair, thorough, and impartial investigation" and no exceptional circumstances exist to direct central agency intervention.
The DMK government argued that the interim order passed by the Supreme Court has "virtually allowed the writ petition" even before notice on maintainability could be decided. The apex court also appointed a three-member supervisory committee to oversee the probe.
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"The allegation of negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of the Karur district administration and the police authorities is wholly baseless and devoid of merit," the state government said. "The records clearly establish that the district administration and police acted with utmost diligence, foresight, and compliance with all statutory and procedural safeguards," it added.
The state said over 600 police personnel were deployed for security, and senior police officials were present. "The venue selection, access routes, medical preparedness, and traffic management plans were all structured in conformity with the National Disaster Management Authority Guidelines," it said.