CBI Summons Police Personnel in Probe Into 2025 Karur Stampede That Killed 41

Chennai, Jan 2026 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the tragic Karur stampede that occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay, which claimed 41 lives. As part of the ongoing investigation, the agency has started summoning police personnel who were deployed for security and crowd management during the event.

Official sources stated that the CBI has issued summons to several officers and personnel whose names appear in the bandobast plan prepared for Vijay’s visit. The list includes personnel stationed at multiple locations across Karur district, including Velusamypuram, where Vijay addressed a massive gathering from his caravan. Traffic police officers who were assigned to regulate vehicular movement during the rally have also been called for questioning.

Earlier, the CBI had interrogated senior district officials, including the then District Collector M. Thangavel and Superintendent of Police K. Jose Thangaiah, as part of its efforts to understand the administrative and security arrangements for the event. The current focus, however, is on examining the ground-level deployment of officers and the execution of security measures on the day of the rally.

The case was re-registered by the CBI following directions from the Supreme Court on October 13, 2025. In the course of the investigation, the agency obtained the detailed bandobast plan, which contains the names, ranks, and duty locations of approximately 500 police personnel deployed at and around the rally venue for security and crowd control. Sources confirmed that several of these personnel have now been summoned for inquiries, which are being conducted at the Circuit House in Karur, where the CBI has set up a temporary office since taking over the investigation.

On average, five to ten police personnel appear before the agency each day. During questioning, officials are reportedly asking about the exact duty locations at Velusamypuram and other points, duration of deployment, original postings, and the officers who assigned security responsibilities. The aim is to ascertain whether crowd management protocols were adequately planned and executed.

In parallel, activists and residents of Karur have approached the CBI seeking a chance to provide information and inputs regarding the stampede. Sources said the agency has assured them that they will be allowed to depose once the ongoing questioning of police personnel is completed.

The Karur stampede is among the deadliest incidents in recent years in Tamil Nadu, raising urgent concerns over crowd control, public safety, and accountability at mass gatherings. The CBI’s inquiry into both administrative and operational lapses is seen as a critical step toward understanding the sequence of events that led to the tragedy and ensuring systemic reforms in event management and public safety protocols.

Team Maverick.