CBI Grills TVK Chief Vijay in New Delhi Over Deadly Karur Stampede

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Leader Questioned at Agency HQ; Probe Focuses on 7-Hour Arrival Delay and Alleged Administrative Lapses During 2025 Tragedy

January 12, 2026: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday, January 12, 2026, for intensive questioning regarding the Karur stampede.

The tragedy, which occurred on September 27, 2025, claimed the lives of 41 people, including children, during a massive political rally.

Vijay arrived at the CBI headquarters in the national capital around noon, flying in from Chennai via a chartered flight.The interrogation follows a Supreme Court mandate to transfer the probe to the central agency, citing the need for an impartial investigation.

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Key Aspects of the CBI Questioning

The federal probe, led by a special team, is reportedly focusing on three critical areas to determine criminal negligence:

• The 7-Hour Delay: Investigators questioned Vijay about why he arrived at the Karur venue nearly seven hours past the scheduled time. Authorities allege this delay led to uncontrollable crowd buildup and subsequent surges as the light faded.
• Logistical Failures: The CBI is examining whether the TVK leadership ignored police warnings about overcrowding. The agency has already examined Vijay’s campaign vehicle and questioned his driver.
• Administrative Lapses: Conversely, Vijay and TVK leaders have submitted video footage to the CBI alleging that the DMK-led state government deliberately provided a constrained venue and failed to provide adequate police protection.

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The Karur Tragedy: A Quick Recap

Date	September 27, 2025
Location	Velusamypuram, Karur-Erode Highway, Tamil Nadu
Casualties	41 Dead (including 7 children); over 100 injured
The Incident	A massive crowd surge occurred around 7:40 PM when Vijay finally arrived at the venue. Three separate crushes were reported as fans scrambled to see the actor and follow his departing convoy.
Compensation	Vijay announced ₹20 lakh for families of the deceased; State Govt announced ₹10 lakh.

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Political Friction: TVK vs. DMK

The investigation has turned into a high-stakes political battle. While the Tamil Nadu government initially opposed the CBI probe, arguing that its own Special Investigation Team (SIT) was sufficient, the Supreme Court ruled that the incident “shook the national conscience.”

TVK leaders, including Bussy Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, have already been questioned. The party maintains that the tragedy was a “political conspiracy” by the ruling DMK to stifle Vijay’s rising political momentum ahead of the 2026 elections.

Next Steps: Charge Sheet Looming

Legal experts suggest that today’s questioning of the party chief is a final step before the CBI decides on filing a charge sheet. If the agency finds evidence of “culpable homicide not amounting to murder” or criminal negligence, it could significantly impact Vijay’s political campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.