The Tamil Nadu government has officially launched a comprehensive Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to delve into the tragic events that unfolded in Karur. This commission’s primary mandate is to meticulously investigate the ’causes and circumstances’ behind the devastating stampede and to ‘fix responsibility’ for any failures that contributed to the disaster.
A formal notification outlining the Commission’s terms of reference (TOR) was issued by the Public Department on September 28, just one day after the tragedy claimed 41 lives. Among its key objectives, the commission will scrutinize the permissions granted for the event and assess the extent to which organizers complied with these regulations.
Furthermore, the inquiry will thoroughly review existing rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for political parties organizing meetings and rallies. This review aims to enhance safeguards for public life and property. The commission is also tasked with proposing effective preventive measures to avert similar catastrophes in the future, and it is expected to conclude its inquiry and submit a detailed report within three months.