Karur stampede advocate urges recalling SIT formation order.
Congress lawyer claimed the order was obtained fraudulently, asserting the writ petitioner involved was a fictitious individual.
Karur Stampede: Congress Lawyer Moves Madras High Court to Recall SIT Order
Chennai: A fresh petition has been filed in the Madras High Court, seeking to recall its October 3, 2025 order that constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a political campaign held by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay on September 27.
The petition has been filed by Advocate A.P. Suryaprakasam, 73, who is associated with the Congress party. In his petition, the senior lawyer contends that the court order forming the SIT was obtained by misleading the judiciary, and that the matter requires immediate reconsideration.
According to Suryaprakasam, the SIT was constituted on the basis of a writ petition filed by P.H. Dinesh of Villivakkam, Chennai. However, upon conducting independent inquiries, the advocate claims that P.H. Dinesh appears to be a fictitious person. “The court’s order, therefore, was based on information submitted under false pretenses, and this misled the judiciary into passing directions for constituting an SIT,” he argued in his petition.
The lawyer is seeking a review of the earlier order and its recall, asserting that the investigation directed by the court is now tainted due to the alleged fraudulent claims made before the judiciary. He emphasizes that a writ petition filed by a non-existent individual should not have been treated as a legitimate basis for initiating such a high-profile investigation.
The Karur stampede, which occurred during a public campaign event for actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, shocked the nation. Over 40 people lost their lives in the tragic crush, prompting widespread calls for accountability and justice. In response, the Madras High Court had earlier ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the circumstances leading to the stampede and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The review petition now challenges the very foundation of that order, raising questions about the authenticity of the information on which the SIT was constituted. If the court accepts the plea, it could lead to a reconsideration of the SIT’s role and potentially affect the ongoing investigations into the tragedy.
Legal observers note that such petitions are not uncommon in high-profile cases, particularly when questions arise about the credibility of the petitioners or the documentation submitted to the court. The Madras High Court is expected to examine the claims carefully, considering both the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation into the Karur stampede.
The outcome of this review petition will be closely watched by political leaders, legal experts, and the public, as it could have significant implications for the ongoing probe into one of the deadliest incidents in recent Tamil Nadu political events.