The Karur stampede case, which claimed 41 lives during a Tamil Nadu Victory Party (TVK) public meeting led by actor Vijay in Velchamipuram on September 27, has resurfaced in political controversy following the discovery of burnt documents and a 32GB pendrive near the temporary office of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT, formed to investigate the incident, was dissolved after the Supreme Court verdict, and the documents were reportedly found outside the vacated office premises.
TVK leaders have accused the ruling party of orchestrating a deliberate conspiracy to block Vijay’s political entry, claiming the government failed to prevent the stampede despite prior knowledge and allegedly acted to facilitate the tragedy.
The Tamil Nadu government and police have rejected these allegations, stating that the stampede was caused by overcrowding and the late arrival of the leader. Government sources emphasized that it is routine for SIT offices to burn unnecessary documents when vacated and denied any malicious intent.
The discovery has also raised procedural questions. Opposition parties have highlighted the speed of the autopsies conducted at Karur government hospital, where only two tables were available, yet 39 bodies were reportedly examined in four hours, averaging roughly 12 minutes per postmortem.
The case has intensified political scrutiny in Tamil Nadu, with all parties closely monitoring the handover of documents to the CBI, which is now investigating the stampede. Analysts note that the focus will now shift to the contents of the 32GB pendrive and whether the burnt papers contained key evidence. The incident has reignited debates over political accountability, investigative transparency, and procedural irregularities, making the Karur case a flashpoint in the state’s political landscape.
Following the state government’s decision to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), officials from the agency visited Karur earlier today to conduct further inquiries. Shortly after their arrival, the discovery of charred documents and the pen drive near the SIT office created a stir. Authorities are examining whether the materials are connected to the ongoing investigation.
(Source: Tamizhakam)
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