The Madras High Court, in the matter PH Dinesh v. Home Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, strongly criticised actor-politician Vijay and other leaders of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for abandoning the scene of a catastrophic stampede during a rally held in Karur on September 27, which resulted in the deaths of 41 people. Justice N. Senthilkumar expressed disappointment over the conduct of the political leadership, saying that the organisers, including the party leadership, fled immediately after the mishap, leaving behind their own followers, cadres, and supporters. The Court described this behaviour as deeply troubling, noting that it reflected a disregard for public life and accountability.
The Court also pointed out that there has been no expression of regret or admission of responsibility from Vijay or the party organisers in the wake of the tragedy. While Vijay had issued a video statement three days after the incident in which he said he was pained by what had happened and appealed to the State not to target the party’s members, the Court held that this fell short of the moral and legal duty to take responsibility and offer meaningful public apology.
In addition to condemning the escape of organisers from the disaster site, the Court also pulled up State authorities for their failure to register First Information Reports (FIRs) in respect of two accidents that occurred at the same event. In particular, video evidence circulated on social media apparently showed two motorcycles colliding and a bus carrying Vijay leaving the scene after witnessing an accident. Despite that, no FIRs for offences such as hit-and-run have been registered. The Court emphasised that even in the absence of formal complaints from affected individuals, the State has a statutory and constitutional duty to initiate suo motu FIRs where public order or safety is involved and to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to account.
Given the gravity of the lapse, the Court directed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be set up to probe the Karur incident more thoroughly. The SIT is to be headed by the Inspector General of Police (North Zone), Asra Garg, with other members including Vimala (IPS), the Superintendent of Police, Namakkal, and Shyamaladevi, Superintendent of Police, CSCID. The Court also ordered the seizure of all relevant CCTV footage from and around the bus involved in the alleged hit-and-run, both inside and outside, and instructed that the bus itself be seized.
Furthermore, the Court widened the scope of a writ petition filed by PH Dinesh, which had initially sought directions to frame safety protocols for roadshows and public meetings. The Court held that in the extraordinary circumstances of the Karur disaster, it must take “extraordinary measures” and assume responsibility to ensure investigation and accountability even beyond the specific prayers of the petition.
The State government was instructed to cooperate fully and assist the SIT, to hand over all necessary material, and aid effective functioning of the investigative team. The matter was thus taken forward under strict judicial scrutiny to ensure that justice is served, that public safety norms are reviewed, and that political leaders are held accountable when tragic events occur under their watch.
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