The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by senior IPS officer Asra Garg, commenced its probe on Sunday into the stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's rally on September 27, an event that tragically killed 41 people and injured nearly 60 others. The SIT was formally constituted following an order from the Madras High Court on October 3. Earlier in the day, Garg visited the spots in Velusamypuram where the stampede occurred, stating only briefly: "Hon'ble High Court has formed the Special Investigation Team. As you all see, we are conducting the investigation today by visiting the spots."
In a related and significant development, police confirmed that a case has been registered against the driver of actor-politician Vijay's campaign vehicle and that the vehicle itself has been included in the FIR. The case concerns an accident the bus was allegedly involved in while travelling to the Karur rally.
The incident involved a number of Vijay's fans, who were riding their motorcycles close to the campaign bus to catch a glimpse of the star when they were involved in a collision, footage of which was widely shared across social and visual media.
This action directly follows the Madras High Court raising serious questions as to why no action had been taken against the bus driver over the alleged accidents. In its order, the Court observed: "It was further brought to the notice of this Court that the videograph... clearly shows that the bus carrying Vijay, the leader of the political party, was involved in an accident."
The court noted that in the footage, it was "visibly evident that two motorcycles were involved in the accident, and that the driver of the bus, having seen the incident, fled from the scene." The court added that another collision at the rear of the bus was also captured.
Expressing its "deep anguish and concern over the failure of the authorities to take action," the court delivered a sharp judicial rebuke: "Even in the absence of a formal complaint from the aggrieved parties, it is the duty of the State to register a suo motu FIR and ensure that the accused face trial in accordance with law."
Police sources confirmed that cases have now been booked in connection with the video-recorded collisions involving the bus in which Vijay was travelling.
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