TVK president Vijay is set to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on Monday, marking a critical juncture in the probe into the devastating Karur stampede. The incident, which occurred during a TVK campaign event on September 27, 2025, resulted in the tragic loss of 41 lives.
CBI Summons and Travel Plans
The central investigative agency issued a formal notice to Vijay earlier this month, invoking Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), compelling his appearance for examination. According to party sources, Vijay will depart from Chennai early on Monday via a chartered flight and proceed directly to the CBI headquarters for questioning.
Ahead of this high-profile appearance, the TVK has proactively approached the Delhi Police, requesting security arrangements for its leader. Commenting on this move, BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan stated, "The Delhi police will provide better security than what was given by the DMK government during the Karur TVK rally."
Background of the Supreme Court-Mandated Probe
The CBI took over the investigation following a directive from the Supreme Court of India. The agency had officially summoned Vijay on January 6, asking him to join the probe into the circumstances leading to the fatal crush. This case transfer to the central agency underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the matter.
In the weeks leading up to Vijay's summons, CBI investigators have been actively gathering evidence. They have already questioned several senior TVK functionaries in the national capital. During these interactions, party leaders submitted video evidence which, they claim, points to significant lapses by the Tamil Nadu state government in managing the event.
Expanding Investigation and Key Evidence
The scope of the CBI's investigation is comprehensive. Agents have examined the campaign vehicle used by Vijay on the day of the rally. Furthermore, the driver of that vehicle has also been interrogated as part of the process to reconstruct the events of that fateful day.
The probe aims to determine the chain of responsibility for the overcrowding and the alleged failure of crowd control measures that led to the stampede. With the political head of the party now set to be examined, the investigation is entering a decisive phase that could have significant political and legal ramifications in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
