TVK Chief Vijay Faces Third Round of CBI Questioning in Delhi Over Karur Stampede
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a third session of questioning with actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at its headquarters in New Delhi. This interrogation is part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred during Vijay's political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025.
Details of the Interrogation Session
Officials confirmed that Vijay arrived at the CBI office for this latest round of questioning, which follows two previous sessions held in January 2026. The actor had been summoned earlier on March 9 but requested a deferment of 15 days, citing prior commitments. Additionally, Vijay urged the agency to conduct the interrogation in Chennai or any other location within Tamil Nadu, pointing to his political engagements in light of the upcoming state assembly elections.
Both requests were declined by the CBI, which insisted on proceeding with the questioning at its Delhi headquarters as scheduled. This decision underscores the agency's commitment to maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the investigation, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Background of the Karur Stampede Case
The CBI took over the investigation from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following a Supreme Court order. The probe focuses on gathering evidence related to the stampede, which resulted in 41 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The incident has drawn national attention due to its severe impact on public safety and the fundamental rights of the victims' families.
In October 2025, the Supreme Court directed the CBI director to appoint a senior officer to lead the investigation and established a supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi. This committee is tasked with monitoring the agency's progress to ensure a thorough and unbiased inquiry.
Supreme Court's Emphasis on Impartial Investigation
A Bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria highlighted the widespread ramifications of the stampede, noting that it has left a lasting imprint on the minds of citizens across the country. The court emphasized that restoring public trust in the criminal justice system is paramount, stating:
"The faith and trust of the general public in the process of investigation must be restored in the criminal justice system, and one way to instil such trust is by ensuring that the investigation in the present case is completely impartial, independent and unbiased."
This directive reinforces the need for a transparent and accountable probe to address the grievances of the affected families and uphold justice.
Upcoming Developments in the Investigation
The CBI has also summoned DMK MLA from Karur, Senthil Balaji, to appear for questioning on March 17, 2026. This move indicates the agency's broader efforts to examine all aspects of the case, including potential lapses in event management and safety protocols during the rally.
As the investigation progresses, key stakeholders and the public await further updates on the findings and any subsequent legal actions. The case remains a critical test for enforcement mechanisms in ensuring public safety at large-scale political events.
