The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a significant step forward in its probe into the tragic Karur stampede by seizing a campaign vehicle belonging to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president, Vijay. The federal agency's action marks a crucial development in the investigation into the incident that resulted in the loss of four lives.
Vehicle Impounded and Driver Questioned
Officials from the CBI have officially taken possession of the campaign vehicle used by the TVK leader during the event in Karur. The driver of the vehicle was summoned and appeared before the investigating officers for detailed questioning on Friday. The agency is meticulously examining the vehicle and the driver's account to understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal crush.
The stampede occurred on January 10, 2026, during a public gathering addressed by Vijay in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu. The chaotic scene led to the deaths of four individuals and left several others injured, sending shockwaves through the state and prompting immediate calls for a thorough investigation.
Deepening Probe into a Political Tragedy
The seizure of the vehicle indicates the CBI is leaving no stone unturned in its investigation. The agency is reportedly focusing on multiple angles, including crowd management failures, possible negligence by the event organizers, and the specific circumstances that triggered the panic. The campaign vehicle is considered a key piece of evidence, potentially containing data or clues related to the event's logistics and execution.
This move places the political party and its high-profile president squarely under the investigative scanner. The incident has already sparked a major political debate in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties demanding accountability for the lapses in safety and security at the rally.
Aftermath and Demands for Accountability
Following the tragedy, public outrage grew, leading to the case being handed over to the CBI for an impartial probe. The victims' families and political rivals have been demanding justice, arguing that the stampede was a preventable disaster caused by poor planning and oversight.
The investigation is ongoing, and the CBI's recent actions suggest that more developments can be expected. The questioning of the driver and forensic analysis of the vehicle are likely to provide critical insights into the final moments before the stampede broke out. The probe's findings will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for political rally regulations and safety protocols in the state.