CBI summons TVK chief Vijay in Karur stampede case ahead of charge sheet decision

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a notice to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor-politician Vijay , asking him to appear for questioning on January 12 at the agency’s headquarters in connection with the Karur stampede case, officials said.

The development comes as the CBI nears a crucial stage in its investigation into the deadly stampede that occurred during a political meeting addressed by Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27 last year. The incident claimed the lives of 41 people and left more than 60 others injured , triggering widespread outrage and demands for accountability.

According to officials, the CBI has already questioned several office-bearers and organisers associated with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as part of its probe. Vijay has now been summoned to clarify aspects related to crowd management, event planning, and administrative responsibilities linked to the public meeting. Following his examination, the agency is expected to take a final call on filing a charge sheet in the case.

The CBI took over the investigation from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Tamil Nadu government after the Supreme Court directed a central probe, citing the gravity of the incident and the large number of casualties. Since assuming charge, the agency has been collecting evidence, examining witnesses, and scrutinising permissions, security arrangements, and alleged lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The summons to Vijay comes at a politically sensitive time, as Tamil Nadu heads towards Assembly elections next year. Vijay, who formally entered electoral politics with the launch of TVK, has emerged as a significant new player, drawing large crowds to his public engagements. While the CBI has maintained that the investigation is proceeding strictly on the basis of evidence, the timing of the notice has sparked debate in political circles, with party supporters alleging that the move could be politically motivated.

Opposition parties, however, have dismissed such claims, asserting that accountability must be fixed irrespective of political stature, especially in cases involving mass casualties. Legal experts note that summoning a party leader in such circumstances is not unusual if investigators believe their testimony is necessary to establish the sequence of events and responsibility.

Public reactions to the CBI’s move have been mixed, with families of the victims welcoming the summons as a step towards accountability, while sections of Vijay’s supporters have questioned the timing of the action, alleging political targeting. Civil society groups and safety experts have stressed the need for an impartial probe, noting that the outcome of the case could set an important precedent for crowd management and responsibility in large-scale political gatherings.