CBI Issues Fresh Summons to TVK Leader Vijay in Karur Stampede Probe

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a fresh summons to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, directing him to appear once again before the agency in New Delhi on Monday in connection with the ongoing investigation into the tragic Karur stampede.

The case pertains to a political campaign event held in Karur on September 27, 2025, when Vijay was campaigning for his party. The programme witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with a massive crowd assembling at the venue. The situation spiralled out of control, leading to a deadly stampede that claimed 41 lives and left several others injured. The incident sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu and sparked widespread public outrage over alleged lapses in crowd management and administrative preparedness.

Given the gravity of the tragedy, the investigation was handed over to the CBI and is being closely monitored by a high-level committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. The panel is overseeing the probe to ensure accountability and transparency in examining the sequence of events that led to the loss of lives.

In recent weeks, the CBI has intensified its investigation, focusing on the planning, organisation, and execution of the Karur event. As part of this process, several senior functionaries of the TVK have already been questioned by the agency. Those examined include party 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 personally appeared before CBI officials at the agency’s New Delhi office and provided detailed statements. Investigators analysed their testimonies along with documentary and electronic evidence collected during field-level inquiries. Based on the information gathered so far, the agency decided that Vijay’s direct examination was necessary to establish clarity regarding responsibility and decision-making related to the event.

Accordingly, Vijay was earlier summoned to appear at the CBI office in Delhi at 11 a.m. on January 12. He complied with the summons and was questioned at length. During the interrogation, officials reportedly raised several crucial questions, including who organised the Karur programme, whether Vijay had prior knowledge of the arrangements, and the reasons for his delayed arrival at the venue.

Investigators also sought details on whether any steps were taken to manage the swelling crowd, when Vijay became aware of the seriousness of the situation, and whether the local administration had alerted him in advance. Questions were also raised regarding arrangements for drinking water, security deployment, and safe entry and exit routes for attendees.

Sources indicated that Vijay responded to all questions and offered detailed explanations during the first round of questioning, after which he returned to Chennai. Following the Pongal festival, the CBI has now summoned him again for the next phase of the probe. Reports suggest that Vijay is expected to travel to Delhi this evening for his second appearance, as the agency continues to piece together the chain of responsibility in the Karur stampede case.

Team Maverick.