Karur Stampede: Madras High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To TVK Party Functionaries

The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) dismissed anticipatory bail applications filed by senior functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in connection with the fatal Karur rally stampede. The petitioners — N. Anand (Bussy Anand) and CTR Nirmal Kumar — sought protection from arrest under provisions including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and related offences. The Court noted the gravity of allegations, the crowd mismanagement leading to deaths, and rejected claims of political targeting. It emphasised public safety, the SIT’s ongoing probe, and the seriousness of charges in denying anticipatory relief.