The Madras High Court on Friday set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the September 27 stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which killed 41 people and injured more than 60. The SIT will be led by Inspector General of Police (North) Asra Garg.

The order came while the court heard public interest pleas seeking safety rules for mass gatherings. The bench said it was not satisfied with the local police probe. It also pulled up the Tamil Nadu police for what it called a delayed and soft response to the tragedy.

The Madurai bench dismissed anticipatory bail pleas filed by TVK state general secretary Bussy N Anand and deputy general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar. Both are named in the FIR. The court found fault with the party and the police, observing that the organisers had fled the scene after the deaths.

The court also barred political rallies on state and national highways in Tamil Nadu until standard safety procedures are framed. It rejected a plea seeking a CBI probe. NCSC chairman Kishor Makwana visited the site on October 4.