Prominent Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief, Vijay, presented himself before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi on Monday, January 12. His appearance is a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the tragic Karur stampede that occurred last year.
CBI Summons and Questioning Process
The federal agency had issued a formal notice to the TVK President last week, directing him to join the probe. Vijay complied, arriving at the CBI headquarters in the national capital for a scheduled session with a special team of investigators. This move follows the agency's prior examination of several other office-bearers of his political party.
The CBI's decision to question Vijay directly is a significant step, after which it is expected to determine whether to file a charge sheet in the matter. The probe was originally handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) before being transferred to the CBI by order of the Supreme Court.
The Tragic Incident and Supreme Court Intervention
The case revolves around a devastating stampede on September 27 last year in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The incident took place during a political gathering that was being addressed by Vijay himself. The chaos resulted in 41 fatalities and left more than 60 individuals injured, marking it as a profound tragedy.
The Supreme Court assumed a supervisory role after the TVK filed a petition seeking an independent investigation. In October, the apex court issued directives for a thorough probe. It ordered the CBI Director to appoint a senior officer to lead the investigation and went a step further by constituting a 3-member supervisory committee. This committee is headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to monitor the CBI's progress.
National Repercussions and the Path Forward
While mandating the CBI inquiry, a bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria made a powerful observation. The bench stated that the Karur stampede had left a deep imprint on the national conscience and raised serious questions concerning the fundamental right to life of citizens.
The questioning of a major film star and emerging political figure like Vijay underscores the gravity with which the judiciary and investigative agencies are treating this case. The nation awaits the findings of this monitored investigation, hoping for clarity, accountability, and justice for the victims of the Karur tragedy.
