Karur Stampede: TVK Chief Vijay Grilled By CBI For Several Hours, Denies Party's Role

Actor-turned-politician Vijay was grilled by the Central Investigation Bureau (CBI) for several hours on Monday over crowd management and delays that contributed to the Karur stampede last year, which

left 41 people dead.

The Karur stampede occurred during a massive political gathering on September 27, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 41 people, while more than 100 were injured. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and prompted judicial and legal scrutiny. The Supreme Court transferred the investigation into the incident to the CBI in October.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reached the CBI headquarters on Monday for questioning and was taken to the team investigating the stampede. The CBI had earlier issued a notice to Vijay under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing him to present himself for examination.

CBI Grills Vijay

Investigators grilled Vijay over the alleged seven-hour delay at the venue, which contributed to the crowd swelling and loss of control. The agency also questioned whether party workers on the ground coordinated adequately with the local police and district administration, as the crowd reportedly grew from an estimated 10,000 people to around 30,000.

Another focus area of the probe centred on whether Vijay’s team conducted any prior risk assessment in coordination with the district administration, and whether basic arrangements, such as drinking water facilities and designated entry and exit points, were provided for the crowd.

The CBI is examining the organisational structure to determine responsibility for planning and execution, including who decided to hold the event in Karur and when Vijay was informed. The agency is further probing when Vijay became aware of the stampede and the sequence of events that followed. He was asked about the exact time of his arrival and departure from the venue.

The agency has already questioned several senior TVK functionaries in New Delhi and also summoned former Tamil Nadu ADG (law and order) S. Davidson Devasirvatham as part of the probe. Party leaders have submitted video footage to investigators, alleging lapses by the Tamil Nadu government.

What Did Vijay Tell CBI?

According to an India Today report, Vijay told investigators that neither his party nor its functionaries were responsible for the deadly stampede. The actor-turned-politician also said he left the venue after feeling that his presence may exacerbate the chaos at the venue.

Vijay was scheduled to meet with CBI investigators again on Tuesday. However, the CBI accepted his request to be exempted from questioning tomorrow due to Pongal, and he will be called on a later date, sources told CNN-News18.

Vijay came under criticism for leaving the venue while the situation was unfolding. Tamil Nadu Police have charged TVK leaders for ignoring safety warnings, while a one-member judicial commission was also set up.

(with inputs from ANI)