The CBI is under ongoing federal investigation into the horrific stampede at a TVK rally in Karur on September 27, 2025, that took 41 lives, including children. The CBI, which had taken control of the case from the Tamil Nadu Police following a Supreme Court directive, is looking into alleged failings in crowd management and security during the actor’s statewide campaign.
Tomorrow’s questioning, sources say, may center around:
- The 7-Hour Delay: Why did Vijay arrive at the venue almost seven hours late a delay that reportedly left thousands of supporters marooned under the sun without enough food or water and added to the inevitable chaos?
- The “Show of Strength”: The CBI is investigating claims from the initial FIR that organizers intentionally delayed its arrival to inflate crowd sizes and “exhibit political strength.”
- Security Non-Compliance: These are not new challenges raised against the TVK leadership which is reported to have not complied with the 30-point safety guidelines issued by the Madras High Court and the state police.
Previous Questioning
Vijay was questioned on January 12 and January 19 before this and was questioned for six hours in total. In those sessions, investigators told police interviewers, they asked him 90 detailed questions on the logistical plan for the event. The actor has claimed he acted in coordination with authorities as well, and he has also admitted that he is "devastated" by the loss of life, and now the CBI is seeking to cross-examine that with travel logs of the seized campaign bus, along with statements from other senior TVK executives including Bussy Anand.
Political Friction Rises
The summons arrives at a crucial moment for the TVK, as the party prepares to enter the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. Supporters of the actor have called the probe “a politically motivated move” to distract from his campaign, while the ruling DMK has claimed the bloodshed was brought on by the actor’s “negligence and disregard for public safety.”
The investigation is being overseen by a committee chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, whose position means that the investigation faces close judicial surveillance.
