Investigation – CBI Summons Actor Vijay Again in Karur Stampede Probe
Investigation – The Central Bureau of Investigation has asked actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay to appear before officials on March 15 in connection with the Karur stampede case, according to officials familiar with the matter. The agency is continuing its probe into the tragic incident that occurred during a political rally last year in Tamil Nadu.
Fresh Summons Issued by CBI
Investigators said Vijay had earlier been asked to appear before the agency on March 9. However, the actor requested additional time and sought a postponement of about two weeks. Officials noted that the agency has now scheduled his appearance for March 15 at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi.
The actor had also urged investigators to conduct the questioning in Chennai or at any CBI office within Tamil Nadu. Sources said he cited his ongoing political commitments linked to preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections as the reason for the request.
Earlier this year, the CBI had already questioned Vijay twice in January as part of the same investigation. The agency is examining multiple aspects of the incident, including the organisation of the rally and the circumstances that led to the fatal crowd surge.
DMK MLA Also Asked to Join Inquiry
In addition to Vijay, the central agency has also summoned Karur MLA Senthil Balaji for questioning. Officials said he has been asked to appear before the investigators on March 17.
Balaji confirmed the development through a message posted on social media platform X. In his statement, written in Tamil, the former state minister said he intends to appear before the agency on the scheduled date and provide clarification regarding matters related to the Karur stampede incident.
Investigators believe statements from individuals connected with the rally could help establish a clearer sequence of events and determine whether there were lapses in crowd management or other organisational failures.
Background of the Karur Rally Stampede
The tragedy occurred on September 27, 2025, during a large political gathering addressed by Vijay in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. According to official figures, the stampede claimed the lives of 41 people and left more than 60 others injured.
Initial investigations were conducted by a Special Investigation Team formed by the state authorities. However, the case was later transferred to the CBI following directions from the Supreme Court of India.
The central agency has since been collecting evidence, reviewing video recordings, and examining witness testimonies related to the rally. Officials are also analysing security arrangements, crowd control measures, and logistical planning for the event.
Supreme Court Ordered Independent Investigation
The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the case to the CBI in October 2025 while hearing petitions related to the incident. The court directed the CBI director to appoint a senior officer to take charge of the investigation.
To ensure oversight, the apex court also formed a supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. The committee has been tasked with monitoring the progress of the investigation and ensuring transparency in the process.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria observed that the Karur stampede had deeply affected people across the country.
The court emphasised that the loss of life in such incidents raises serious concerns about the protection of citizens and the accountability of authorities responsible for public events.
Court Emphasises Need for Public Confidence
The bench noted that restoring public trust in the criminal justice system is essential, particularly in cases involving large-scale tragedies. According to the court, a fair and independent investigation is necessary to address the concerns of families who lost their loved ones in the incident.
The judges also observed that ensuring transparency in the investigation process would help reinforce confidence among the public that the matter is being handled impartially.
As the inquiry continues, the CBI is expected to question several individuals connected with the event while reviewing additional evidence gathered from various sources.