DMK Moves Supreme Court to Restrain Vijay, TVK Leaders Over Karur Stampede Remarks

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to restrain Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders, including Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay , from making public statements or allegedly levelling "false accusations" in connection with the Karur stampede , in which 41 people were killed .

The plea was filed by DMK organising secretary R.S. Bharathi , who sought impleadment in a pending case related to the tragedy. Bharathi submitted that several persons initially chargesheeted in the case are now ministers in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet following the 2026 Assembly elections .

The petition also referred to remarks allegedly made by Tamil Nadu minister Aadhav Arjuna , who reportedly said there was "a score to settle" over the Karur incident and accused the previous DMK government of having "killed" Karur residents through the police. Bharathi urged the court to direct the CBI to register a complaint and take action, alleging the statements could influence witnesses, amount to witness tampering, and impede the ongoing investigation.

The DMK further objected to Vijay's proposed July 10 visit to Karur , where he is expected to meet victims' families and distribute government benefits, including compassionate appointment orders. The plea argued that such interaction with potential witnesses while the investigation is pending could raise concerns about the fairness and independence of the probe.

The Supreme Court had earlier transferred the investigation to the CBI , observing that the stampede had "shaken the national conscience" and warranted a fair and impartial probe. It also constituted a three-member supervisory committee , headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi , to monitor the investigation.

Police had earlier said the rally drew around 27,000 people , nearly three times the expected turnout, and attributed the tragedy in part to a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival at the venue.