CBI Calls Actor Vijay for Fresh Questioning in Karur Stampede Probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation has issued a fresh summons to popular actor Vijay. He must appear before the agency on January 19 in Delhi. This marks the second time the CBI has called him for questioning in connection with the tragic Karur stampede.
Previous Questioning Session Lasted Six Hours
Vijay already faced a lengthy interrogation session on the last occasion. That questioning lasted nearly six hours according to reports from NDTV. During that session, Vijay reportedly told the central agency that his political party holds responsibility for the stampede incident.
The Karur stampede represents a devastating tragedy that claimed forty-one lives. The incident deeply shocked the community and the nation.
Investigation Path: From State to Central Agencies
The investigation into this heartbreaking event has followed a complex path. Initially, the Tamil Nadu government established a one-member commission to examine the circumstances. However, the Supreme Court later determined that further investigation remained necessary.
The court subsequently scrapped the earlier commission. Following this decision, the case transferred to central investigative agencies. The Supreme Court also directed that the probe should receive monitoring from a panel led by a retired Supreme Court judge.
Before these developments, the Madras High Court had already formed a Special Investigation Team. This team received the mandate to investigate how the tragedy unfolded.
Supreme Court to Hear 'Jana Nayagan' Certification Plea
Meanwhile, Vijay's upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan' faces its own legal developments. The Supreme Court will hear a plea regarding the film on January 15. KVN Productions LLP, the film's producer, filed this plea seeking clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification.
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih will hear the case. This hearing follows a division bench of the Madras High Court staying a single bench order. That earlier order had instructed the CBFC to clear the Tamil film for release.
Kamal Haasan Advocates for Certification Reform
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan recently commented on film certification processes. He called for what he described as a "principled relook" at the entire system. Haasan emphasized the need for clearly defined timelines during certification procedures.
He also advocated for transparent evaluation methods and written, reasoned justifications for every suggested cut or edit. In a post on social media platform X, Kamal Haasan stated that India's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. He noted this freedom should remain guided by reason and never diminish through opacity.
"This moment extends beyond any single film," Haasan wrote. "It reflects the space we accord art and artists within our constitutional democracy. Cinema does not represent the labor of one individual alone. It embodies the collective effort of an entire ecosystem."
He highlighted that this ecosystem includes writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and numerous small businesses. Their livelihoods depend on a fair and timely certification process. Haasan concluded that such reforms would safeguard creative freedom while upholding constitutional values. They would also strengthen India's democratic institutions by affirming trust in both artists and citizens.
