Karur stampede probe: CBI questions eight local traders linked to event logistics

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday questioned eight local traders and businessmen from Velusamipuram in connection with the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during a public meeting of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay on October 27.

Those summoned included a petrol bunk owner, a textile merchant, a mobile shop operator, and a local mechanic, all of whom are believed to have assisted with on-ground arrangements and logistics for the TVK event. According to sources, the CBI is examining whether local traders had a role in facilitating crowd management, arranging barricades, or sponsoring portions of the setup that may have contributed to the tragic overcrowding.

The questioning took place at the Circuit House in Karur and is part of a wider probe ordered by the Supreme Court. The agency has so far issued summons to over 100 individuals associated with the event, including organisers, local volunteers, and sponsors.

Meanwhile, investigators have been conducting 3D laser scanning and mapping work across nearly 700 meters of the Velusamipuram ground to recreate the scene and understand the sequence of events that led to the stampede. The advanced scanning is helping the CBI identify possible structural or crowd-control lapses.

A 10-member CBI team continued its on-site probe over the weekend, carrying out the second consecutive day of laser mapping on Saturday. Similar work was undertaken on Friday over a 300-meter stretch to build a detailed digital reconstruction of the venue layout.

Officials said Sunday’s round of questioning focused on individuals who were involved in providing local assistance during the rally. Investigators are trying to determine whether negligence or coordination failures among local traders and event managers played a role in the tragedy.

The CBI, which resumed its field operations after a brief break for the Deepavali festival, is expected to summon more individuals in the coming days, including event organisers, security personnel, and district officials, as it pieces together a complete picture of what went wrong during the ill-fated gathering.