Vijay to appear before CBI today for follow-up in Karur stampede probe

Actor‑turned‑politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is scheduled to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today for further questioning in connection with the deadly Karur stampede that occurred during his rally in September 2025. Officials said the agency has gathered additional evidence and material that require clarification from the actor.

Vijay was previously questioned by the CBI at its New Delhi headquarters on January 12 and January 19 , during which he denied responsibility for the tragedy and maintained that neither he nor his party functionaries were at fault. In response to the latest summons, Vijay’s team requested a 10‑ to 15‑day postponement and asked that any further questioning be conducted in Chennai or elsewhere in Tamil Nadu due to election commitments and personal legal matters. The CBI, however, rejected the request and directed him to appear today.

The Karur stampede occurred on September 27, 2025 , at a TVK rally in Velusamypuram, Karur district, Tamil Nadu , when overcrowding and alleged crowd management lapses caused a crush that killed 41 people and injured more than 60 others . The incident is considered one of the deadliest crowd disasters linked to a political event in recent years. Witnesses have reported overcrowding beyond the venue’s capacity, inadequate entry and exit points, and delayed arrival of the leader as factors that contributed to the chaos.

Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed grief and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families, including Rs 20 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured , while assuring ongoing support through his party.

The investigation was transferred to the CBI in October 2025 after the Supreme Court ordered the agency to take over from a Special Investigation Team. A supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi was constituted to monitor the inquiry. The court stressed the need for an impartial, independent, and unbiased investigation to uphold the fundamental rights of the families affected by the tragedy.

The CBI is examining multiple aspects of the event, including crowd control arrangements, coordination between organisers and authorities, permissions for the venue, and the sequence of events during the rally . Statements from witnesses and organisers are being recorded, and communications and documents related to the rally are under review.

Amid the renewed summons, Vijay has also addressed supporters at recent events, acknowledging “many issues” circulating among the public and assuring them he is aware of concerns, though he did not comment specifically on the fresh CBI proceedings. The development has also drawn attention in the context of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections , as political speculation continues over alliances and party strategies.