TN BJP demands CBI probe into Karur stampede, alleges Rahul Gandhi pressuring Vijay
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Chennai: The Tamil Nadu BJP on Monday stepped up its criticism of the DMK government over the Karur rally stampede that claimed 41 lives, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and alleging political pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on TVK chief Vijay.
Party spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad dismissed the state government’s decision to appoint a one-member panel headed by retired Madras High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan as “an eyewash” that would not meet public expectations.
“Six crore people of Tamil Nadu want to know the truth. Only a CBI investigation can ensure impartiality,” Prasad said.
He also called for transparency in the post-mortem examinations of the victims, urging the government to involve senior forensic experts and ensure video documentation to safeguard evidence. “The government must clarify whether these procedures were followed to preserve evidence,” he added.
Prasad further criticized the transfer of the investigation from DSP Selvaraj to ADSP Premanandan, terming it another indication of the government’s reluctance to pursue the case seriously. He demanded the appointment of an Inspector General-level officer, supported by a DIG and experienced DSPs, to probe crowd control, security lapses and local administrative decisions.
Bringing national politics into the debate, Prasad alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who called Vijay to express condolences, had “warned” him against taking a stand against the DMK. “Sources say Rahul Gandhi has warned Vijay against taking a stand hostile to the ruling government. These interactions must also be part of the investigation,” he said.
The BJP leader said the party stood with the victims’ families and urged Vijay to “honor the 41 who died supporting him” by resisting political pressure and ensuring accountability.
“The Tamil Nadu BJP will not allow this tragedy to be diluted or buried,” Prasad said, as political tensions continued to mount over the stampede and questions around crowd management at Vijay’s campaign event in Karur.