'Stop Vijay From Influencing Witnesses In Karur': DMK Leader Tells Supreme Court

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday urged the Supreme Court to stop Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Minister Aadhav Arjuna and other accused in the Karur stampede case from making public statements or directly interacting with victims' families while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe remains underway. The party argued that such interactions could influence key witnesses and compromise the court-monitored investigation, Live Law reported.

Appearing for DMK secretary R.S. Bharati, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi mentioned the matter before a bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu, seeking an urgent hearing. He informed the court that Chief Minister Vijay is scheduled to visit Karur on July 10 to meet the families of those killed and injured in the stampede.

Ahmadi argued that the victims' families are material witnesses in the CBI investigation and expressed concern that any direct engagement by political leaders connected to the case could affect the fairness of the probe.

"There is an attempt to influence witnesses while the CBI investigation is pending," Ahmadi submitted, adding that the apprehension was supported by material placed on record. He told the bench that the application had been filed on Friday because of the proposed July 10 visit.

Justice Amanullah initially asked what practical order the court could pass in such circumstances. After hearing the submissions, the bench agreed to list the application for hearing on Tuesday.

In its application, the DMK said it has no objection to the state government providing financial assistance or welfare measures to the affected families. However, it argued that the manner in which such benefits are distributed should be regulated to ensure that the ongoing investigation is not prejudiced.

The plea refers to reports that Vijay plans to distribute government orders, compassionate appointments and other benefits to the families of the deceased and injured during his Karur visit. According to the application, such interactions by members of the political executive could create a reasonable apprehension about the impartiality of the investigation.

The DMK also pointed out that Vijay had previously announced compensation of ₹20 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹2 lakh for those injured in October 2025, when criminal proceedings related to the stampede were already pending. It argued that the latest proposed distribution of benefits, coupled with recent public remarks by a minister who is also an accused in the case, justified judicial intervention.

The application also targets a statement allegedly made by Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna on July 2, in which he reportedly said there was "a score to settle" over the Karur incident and accused the previous DMK government of being responsible for the deaths through police action. Bharati contended that such comments were aimed at shaping public opinion and influencing the ongoing investigation.

The DMK argued that an accused holding public office should not be allowed to publicly comment on the case while the investigation is in progress. It also said it intends to initiate separate contempt proceedings against Arjuna over the remarks.

Among the reliefs sought, the application asks the Supreme Court to restrain Vijay, Aadhav Arjuna, Bussy Anand, C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar and other accused from making public statements on the merits of the investigation or attributing criminal liability. It has also sought directions that any government assistance to victims' families be extended only through safeguards approved by the apex court and after consultation with the CBI.

The plea further requests the CBI to initiate appropriate proceedings against Aadhav Arjuna, alleging that his public remarks amounted to an attempt to influence witnesses and obstruct the ongoing investigation.