The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated summoning police officers involved in the investigation of the September 27, 2025, Karur stampede that resulted in 41 fatalities during a rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay. The agency has issued summons to police personnel mentioned in the security plan for Vijay’s visit to Karur, including those stationed at various locations in the district, such as Velusamypuram.
The focus of the investigation now lies on scrutinizing the on-ground deployment and execution of security measures during the rally. Earlier, the CBI had questioned senior district officials, including the then District Collector M. Thangavel and Superintendent of Police K. Jose Thangaiah, in connection with the case. The agency has re-registered the case following orders from the Supreme Court on October 13, 2025.
As part of the inquiry, the CBI is questioning around five to ten police personnel daily at the Circuit House in Karur, which serves as the agency’s temporary office for this investigation. The personnel are being asked about their duty locations, deployment duration, original duty stations, and the officers assigning them security duties during the event.
Activists and residents of Karur have reportedly approached CBI officials to provide information regarding the stampede. The agency has assured them an opportunity to depose once the questioning of police personnel concludes. The tragic stampede occurred amidst a large crowd gathering for the TVK rally, sparking demands for accountability and reforms in crowd management and event security.
