The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has confiscated actor-politician Vijay’s campaign bus as part of the inquiry into the tragic stampede at his public gathering in Karur on September 27, 2021, which resulted in 41 fatalities and numerous injuries. Investigators are scrutinizing the vehicle’s movement records, travel schedules, and adherence to event permits. Additionally, the driver is under interrogation to validate details regarding the rally’s timetable and crowd control.
The mishap occurred due to overcrowding and alleged deficiencies in crowd management at the venue where Vijay was addressing his supporters. In response to the need for an unbiased investigation, the case was handed over to the CBI, which has been intensifying its examination by interviewing political figures and local officials linked to the incident.
Several leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) were questioned by the CBI in New Delhi on November 25, including party General Secretary Bussy Anand, Election Campaign Management General Secretary Adhav Arjun, and Joint General Secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar. The probe extended to TVK Karur West District Secretary K.P. Mathiyazhagan and M.C. Paunraj, focusing on rally planning, permissions, crowd estimates, security measures, and logistical arrangements.
Karur District Collector Thangavelam was summoned on December 4 for a two-hour interrogation regarding administrative authorizations, inter-departmental coordination, and response protocols during the rally. As part of the escalating investigation, Vijay has been formally summoned by the CBI to appear at their New Delhi headquarters on January 12. The questioning will center on his role as the main speaker, event planning, and decisions made by the organizing committee concerning crowd control.
The investigation’s objective is to establish accountability for the lapses that resulted in one of the most tragic political rally incidents in recent memory. Authorities have indicated that further interviews with crucial witnesses and examination of documentary evidence will proceed in the following days.
