CBI summons TVK chief Vijay again in Karur stampede probe, he will be in Delhi tomorrow
The CBI has summoned TVK chief Vijay for a second round of questioning in connection with the Karur stampede that killed 41 people during a party campaign in September 2025. After grilling several senior TVK leaders, investigators are now focusing on Vijay's role, crowd management arrangements, and the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a fresh summons to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay, asking him to appear once again in New Delhi on Monday in connection with its investigation into the Karur stampede case.
The tragedy occurred during a TVK political campaign in Karur on September 27, 2025, when an overwhelming turnout led to a stampede that left 41 people dead. The incident triggered widespread public anger across Tamil Nadu and prompted calls for accountability, eventually leading to a central agency probe.
The investigation is being carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation and is under the supervision of a monitoring committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
Senior TVK leaders questioned
Over the past few weeks, the agency has stepped up its inquiry into the circumstances that culminated in the deadly incident. Several senior leaders of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have already been examined as part of the probe. These include general secretary Bussi Anand, Election Management Division general secretary Adhav Arjuna, joint general secretary Nirmal Kumar, and Karur district secretary Mathiyazhagan.
Last month, Bussi Anand and Adhav Arjuna appeared before CBI officials at the agency’s Delhi office, where they recorded detailed statements. Based on the material collected and testimonies so far, investigators decided to question party founder and leader Vijay directly about his role and responsibilities linked to the Karur event.
Key questions on arrangements
Vijay was earlier summoned to the CBI headquarters in Delhi on January 12, where he appeared and underwent prolonged questioning. During the session, officials reportedly asked him about who organised the programme, whether he was aware of the arrangements beforehand, the reasons for his delayed arrival, and what steps, if any, were taken to manage the rapidly growing crowd.
Investigators also sought answers on when he became aware of the seriousness of the crowding, whether any prior warning was issued by the local administration, and what arrangements were made for drinking water, security, and safe entry and exit points at the venue.
Summoned again after Pongal
Sources said Vijay responded to the questions in detail before returning to Chennai after the first round of questioning.
Following the Pongal festival, the CBI has now called him back for the next phase of the investigation. Reports indicate that Vijay is expected to travel to Delhi later today for his second appearance, as the agency continues to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine responsibility in the Karur stampede case.