Karur Stampede Case: Vijay Questioned Again by CBI

TVK chief Vijay was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI on January 12), as part of a second round of inquiry on January 19 into the Karur stampede case, which claimed 41 lives and injured more than 60 people during a political rally on September 27, 2025.

Vijay reached the CBI headquarters at around 10 am and remained there until nearly 5 pm. He was examined by a team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a rank officer from the agency's anti-corruption wing.

Officials said the questioning centred on the planning and approval of the rally, the reasons for his delayed arrival at the venue, whether he was aware of the unfolding chaos, his decision to continue the speech, and issues related to crowd control and management.

Sources said the agency will take further steps after reviewing statements recorded from Vijay, senior leaders of TVK, district administration officials, and those involved in granting clearance and overseeing arrangements for the rally. Although Vijay was asked to appear again the following day, he reportedly sought a later date due to the Pongal festival.

The CBI assumed charge of the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Police's Special Investigation Team following directions from the Supreme Court. In October last year, the apex court instructed the CBI Director to appoint a senior officer to head the probe and also set up a three-member supervisory panel led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to monitor the investigation.

A Bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria observed that the Karur stampede had left a lasting impact on people across the country and highlighted the need to safeguard the fundamental rights of the victims' families.

The court noted that doubts over the impartiality of the investigation had only added to the suffering of the families of those killed and injured, stating that political disputes offered little comfort to those affected.