Chennai, 5 October (IANS) Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by Madras High Court (SIT) formally formally started the Tamilga Vetri Kazgam (TVK) leader and actor-Politician Vijay’s campaign rally and started examining the deadly stampede during Tamilga Vetty Kazgam (TVK), who left 41 people dead and injured.
In recent years, the tragedy, one of the worst mob-control failures in Tamil Nadu, had sent shockwaves across the country and raised serious questions about public safety in political programs.
The court ordered a high-level inquiry, taking cognizance of several petitions and the horrific of the incident, and transferred the case under the leadership of ASRA Garg for a newly constituted sitting.
So far, the investigation was handled by Additional Deputy Superintendent Police (ADSP) Prem Anand, who has now formally handed over all case files, evidence and initial conclusions to SIT.
According to sources, this includes witnesses collected from the day of the incident, video footage and mob management data.
IG Asra GAG, led the first field review of SIT on the rally site. Officials surveyed the grounds, investigated the access and exit points, and evaluated security arrangements that became crowded on a large scale.
The team has also started statements from eyewitnesses, residents and officials involved in organizing the event.
In a remarkable step, the SIT has been strengthened with induction of eight additional senior officers, including Deputy Superintendent of Police, ADSP, and experienced investigators.
The extended team is expected to accelerate the evidence and forensic examination, while the rally, police deployment levels and permission given for mob-control protocols are also reviewed.
Legal experts believe that the findings of SIT will be important in fixing accountability and preventing similar disasters in the future.
Families of the victims have demanded Swift justice and strong security criteria for large public functions.
The Madras High Court has directed the SIT to conduct a fair and time-to-time investigation and submit a periodic updates.
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Aal/svn