CHENNAI: The State BJP unit on Thursday took a significant step in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy case, by filing a caveat petition in the Supreme Court.

The move follows the Madras High Court's decision to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the possibility of the ruling DMK government challenging the order in the top court.

The BJP's caveat petition in the Supreme Court seems to be a preemptive measure to ensure that the party is heard if the State government's appeal is accepted.

The Madras High Court's order was issued on Wednesday in response to writ petitions filed by various parties, including the AIADMK, PMK, DMDK, and BJP.

The petitioners argued that hooch tragedies had become a recurring issue in Tamil Nadu and that previous investigations by the CB-CID had failed to act as a sufficient deterrent.