Vijay: TVK leader will be questioned by the CBI in the Karur stampede case
Vijay: According to reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is getting ready to examine Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), about the fatal stampede that killed 41 people in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
The incident happened on September 27 during a campaign rally organized by Vijay at Veluchamipuram, Karur.
A sudden rush in the throng led in a fatal stampede, leaving 41 people dead and at least 110 more wounded.
The incident generated considerable indignation and calls for a thorough, impartial inquiry.
On October 13, the Supreme Court took notice of the matter and issued an interim order transferring the inquiry to the CBI.
To emphasize the gravity of the situation and the need of responsibility, the court also established a monitoring committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to supervise the investigation.
As instructed by the court, the CBI has started its inquiry and has already questioned a number of TVK high officials.
Those who have appeared before the agency include TVK State General Secretary Bussy Anand, Joint Secretaries Nirmal Kumar and Adhav Arjun, and Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan.
Sources claim that these officials gave their justifications and offered crucial information on how the campaign event was planned and carried out.
The probe has allegedly turned its attention on Vijay after the first interrogation of party officials was over.
According to reports, CBI investigators are in the midst of formally questioning the TVK leader to find out his role and obligations related to the event, namely regarding crowd control, security plans, and adherence to safety regulations and licenses.
Before calling Vijay, investigators are apparently assessing security and logistical issues.
Given the delicate nature of the case and the public attention it has garnered, sources suggest that inviting him to Karur might provide serious security issues.
Because of this, it is believed that the CBI intends to examine Vijay in Chennai, where sufficient security measures may be made.
Under the direction of the Supreme Court-appointed committee, the investigation is still ongoing as the CBI looks for any errors and tries to assign blame for one of the worst mass catastrophes connected to a campaign in recent memory.