In a new turn in the Karur stampede case, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) general secretary N Anand, better known as Bussy Anand, withdrew his anticipatory bail plea from the Madras High Court on Monday. The move came shortly after the Supreme Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), effectively taking the case out of state police hands.
Representing Anand, his counsel informed the division bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan that the petition was being withdrawn “in light of the changed circumstances.” Taking note, the court formally dismissed the plea as withdrawn.
Background
The case stems from a tragic stampede that broke out during a political gathering organized by the TVK in Karur. The prosecution has alleged that the event, scheduled between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., took a chaotic turn when party leader Vijay arrived late and conducted an unpermitted roadshow en route to the venue. The delay and the spontaneous gathering, according to the prosecution, led to a surge in the crowd that caused several casualties.
Earlier this month, a vacation bench had already refused anticipatory bail to both Anand and party joint secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, citing the seriousness of the charges and the early stage of investigation. Anand had feared arrest for offences including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and acts endangering public safety under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.
Court’s Observations
During the brief hearing, the bench noted the changed context following the Supreme Court’s directive transferring the probe to the CBI. The Chief Justice remarked that once the investigation shifts to a central agency, “the petitioner’s apprehensions and the course of investigation itself stand altered.”
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Anand’s counsel argued that he was being unfairly targeted due to his political position, maintaining that the tragic event was an accident, not a criminal act. He further submitted that crowd control was the State’s responsibility, and the absence of adequate police presence worsened the situation. “Turning an unfortunate accident into culpable homicide is not justifiable,” the lawyer said in court.
The prosecution, however, reiterated that the organizers failed to ensure basic safety measures and that the chaos was a direct result of negligence and unauthorized deviations from the approved plan.
Decision
Acknowledging the transfer of investigation to the CBI, the bench allowed the withdrawal of the plea without delving into the merits of the case. The order stated that the anticipatory bail petition was “dismissed as withdrawn,” leaving the CBI to continue its probe independently.
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As of now, Bussy Anand remains without anticipatory bail protection, and the CBI is expected to take over the investigation files soon. With the case now under central supervision, political and legal circles in Tamil Nadu are closely watching the next steps in what has become a high-profile matter.
Case Title: N Anand @ Bussy Anand v. State
Court: Madras High Court
Bench: Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan
Case No.: Crl OP (MD) 17604 of 2025
Petitioner: N Anand @ Bussy Anand (General Secretary, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam - TVK)
Respondent: State of Tamil Nadu
Date of Order: October 27, 2025
