TVK Chief Vijay Faces Second Round of CBI Questioning in Karur Stampede Case

Actor-turned-politician and Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is scheduled to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi today for a second round of questioning in connection with the tragic Karur stampede case. The development marks a crucial phase in the ongoing probe into one of the deadliest political rally incidents in recent times in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay arrived in the national capital after the Pongal holidays, days after completing his first round of questioning on January 12, during which he was interrogated for nearly six hours. The investigation relates to a political rally held in Karur in September, where a massive crowd surge led to a stampede and dehydration-related casualties, resulting in the deaths of 41 people. The incident triggered widespread outrage and raised serious concerns over crowd management and administrative preparedness.

During his earlier questioning, Vijay maintained that he was not responsible for the stampede. He told investigators that he left the venue earlier than scheduled to prevent further chaos after being informed about the deteriorating situation. However, the CBI is closely examining multiple aspects of the event, including the timeline of Vijay’s arrival and departure, as well as decisions taken on stage while the situation outside was reportedly spiralling out of control.

Investigators are particularly focusing on a delay of nearly seven hours in Vijay’s arrival at the venue and the fact that he continued addressing the gathering even as reports of distress among attendees began to emerge. According to officials, the crowd had far exceeded permitted limits, with an estimated 25,000 people assembling at a venue authorised to accommodate only around 5,000. This overcrowding is believed to have played a critical role in the tragic outcome.

As part of the second round of questioning, the CBI is expected to cross-check Vijay’s statements with testimonies from his personal staff, including his driver, as well as senior administrative officials and police personnel deployed at the rally. Investigators are also examining official permissions, crowd control arrangements, emergency response measures, and communication between organisers and local authorities on the day of the event.

The Karur stampede case has become a sensitive political and administrative issue, drawing attention to the responsibilities of political leaders and event organisers in ensuring public safety. The tragedy occurred at a time when Vijay was in the process of consolidating his political presence in Tamil Nadu, adding further political weight to the investigation.

The outcome of the CBI probe is expected to have significant legal and political implications. As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to establish primary accountability for the crowd surge and determine whether lapses in planning, coordination, or decision-making contributed to the loss of lives. With today’s questioning seen as a decisive step, the focus remains on whether further action will follow based on the findings of the central agency.