Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor-turned-politician Vijay reached the national capital on Monday to face questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the tragic Karur stampede that shook Tamil Nadu’s political landscape last year. The incident, which occurred during a major TVK campaign event, had resulted in the deaths of 41 people and left several others injured.
Sources familiar with the development said Vijay was questioned at the CBI headquarters by a dedicated team handling the high-profile case. His statement is considered significant as the agency prepares to move towards the next legal step, including a possible charge sheet, after examining multiple witnesses and party office-bearers linked to the event.
Investigators have already recorded the testimonies of senior TVK leaders and organisers who were involved in planning and managing the Karur programme. Vijay’s appearance is being seen as a key moment in the probe, as the agency attempts to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the deadly crowd surge.
The stampede took place on September 27, 2025, when a massive turnout gathered for a political outreach programme in Karur district. What was intended to be a show of strength for the fledgling party turned into a disaster, sparking public anger, protests, and calls for accountability across the state.
The investigation was later handed over to the CBI following directions from the Supreme Court, which stepped in after concerns were raised about the fairness and effectiveness of the initial inquiry. As part of the case, TVK leaders have submitted video recordings and other material to investigators, claiming that failures in crowd management and administrative oversight contributed to the tragedy.
The Tamil Nadu government, meanwhile, has challenged the CBI probe in court, submitting affidavits opposing the transfer of the investigation. TVK has strongly disputed the state’s stand, alleging that misleading claims were made to dilute responsibility and delay justice for the victims.
