Troubles May Increase for TVK Leader Vijay in Karur Stampede Case, CBI May Question Him

Chennai (The Uttam Hindu): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may question Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in connection with the Karur stampede case in Tamil Nadu. The tragic incident occurred on September 27 during a rally led by Vijay at Veluchamipuram in Karur, where a sudden stampede claimed the lives of 41 people and left at least 110 others injured. Following the incident, demands were raised for an independent probe. Taking cognisance of the matter, the Supreme Court on October 13 passed an interim order transferring the investigation to the CBI.

To monitor the probe, the Supreme Court constituted a monitoring committee headed by retired judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. The CBI has since begun its investigation and has already summoned several senior TVK office-bearers for questioning. Those who have appeared before the agency include TVK state general secretary Bussy Anand, joint secretaries Nirmal Kumar and Adhav Arjun, and Karur West district secretary Mathiyazhagan.

According to sources, these leaders explained their roles related to organisational planning and the conduct of the campaign programme. With the initial questioning of party officials now complete, the focus of the investigation is shifting toward party chief Vijay. It is learnt that CBI officials are in the process of taking formal steps to question him to ascertain his role and responsibilities in the incident, particularly with regard to crowd management, security arrangements, permissions, and compliance with safety norms.

However, investigators are reportedly considering logistical and security aspects before summoning Vijay. The probe is continuing under the supervision of the Supreme Court-appointed committee, as the CBI examines possible lapses and attempts to fix accountability in one of the major recent campaign-related tragedies.