CHENNAI: AIADMK, BJP and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the September 27 Karur stampede and the constitution of a three-member monitoring committee to supervise the progress of the CBI investigation.
The AIADMK termed the Top court’s decision as “clearly a slap in the face for DMK” while the BJP said it would “trust” only the central agency investigation.
In a social media post, the AIADMK said it had formed its position based on the principle, as affirmed by the Supreme Court, that “it is the right of the people to a fair and impartial probe.”
BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran said in a post on X: “The CBI probe into the incident was one of our strong demands, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Supreme Court.”
Nagenthran alleged that to prove it was not at fault in the incident, the DMK government was hastily weaving fabricated tales to frame the opposite party.
“Soon, answers will emerge for public suspicions that there is a repulsive political motive behind such actions. Those vile individuals who sacrificed innocent lives for their political vendettas will be punished without mercy,” Nagenthran said.
In a post on X, BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said the Supreme Court verdict is a slap on the face of the DMK government.
The DMK government was carrying out a vicious campaign against the TVK, he alleged. “The verdict has given hope that the truth will come out and those responsible will be brought before justice,” Murugan said.
TVK president and actor Vijay said ina post on X that Justice “will prevail.”
Meanwhile, claiming misrepresentation in the petition seeking CBI probe into the September 27 Karur stampede, the DMK on Monday said the Supreme Court may cancel its order directing investigation by the central agency.
DMK Rajya Sabha member and advocate P Wilson, who represented the Tamil Nadu government in the stampede case, Supreme Court’s decision for a CBI probe into the Karur stampede case, said two people have informed the court that without their knowledge, their names had been used to file a petition.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Wilson said people are celebrating already, but there is a chance that the Supreme Court order can be cancelled if it is proved that the petitions are fraudulently filed.
“Tomorrow if this (two people’s petition) is proved, there is a chance that the order can be cancelled, as courts follow the doctrine, ‘fraud vitiates all solemn acts’,” he added.
He also said the SC had decided to let the one-member commission headed by former High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to continue its inquiry.
“The court has also ordered the transfer of the findings of the SIT investigation. This means the court has confidence in the investigation held so far. Otherwise, it could have asked for de novo review, that is, to start all over,” Wilson said.
Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman said that the Supreme Court ordering a CBI probe into the Karur stampede was an insult to Tamil Nadu and its police force.
He also asked if the CBI officers are specially endowed.
“Our police didn’t even begin the investigation and how is it fair then to transfer the case to CBI? This is an insult to not just the police, but also the state’s autonomy,” Seeman told reporters in Chennai.
He also criticised the DMK-led government for readily handing over state matters to the Union government.
“We all fought very hard for state autonomy, but now the DMK is handing everything on a platter to the Centre. Be it CBI inquiry or caste census,” Seeman said.
The top court on October 10 reserved its order on a plea filed by Vijay’s political party and others.
The TVK has sought an independent investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court, contending that a fair and impartial probe would not be possible if conducted solely by officers of the Tamil Nadu Police.
