SIT chief conducts probe into TVK's rally stampede in Karur
Karur (PTI): The SIT headed by senior IPS officer Asra Garg, on Sunday conducted its probe into a stampede at TVK chief Vijay's rally here on September 27 in which 41 people died and nearly 60 were injured.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up on the basis of the Madras High Court order on October 3.
The SIT comprises 11 police officers, including two Superintendent of Police officers among others, Garg said.
Earlier in the day, he visited the spots in Velusamypuram where the stampede took place.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said, "Hon'ble High Court has formed the Special Investigation Team (SIT). As you all see, we are conducting the investigation today by visiting the spots (where the incident occurred)."
To a query, he said, apart from him, two Superintendent of Police officers, one additional SP, two Deputy Superintendent of Police officials and five inspectors are part of the team.
"I cannot share any other details today," he said in his brief interaction with the media.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
