Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi to refute any involvement in the tragic stampede that occurred during a political gathering in Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in 41 fatalities. The incident, which occurred on September 27, 2025, has been under scrutiny for alleged lapses in planning and crowd control, marking a significant crowd-related disaster in the state’s recent political history.
Vijay, who was questioned for about six hours, reiterated his stance that neither he nor his party played a role in the stampede. He clarified that he had left the venue upon assessing the situation to prevent further casualties, maintaining that the organizers were not responsible for the chaos that led to the tragic event. The TVK leader’s position aligns with statements previously made by party members summoned by the investigative agency.
CBI officials disclosed that Vijay’s interrogation is ongoing and that he will be summoned for further questioning. His statements will be cross-checked with police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and other evidence gathered during the investigation. Despite seeking a temporary halt in questioning due to the Pongal festival, Vijay is expected to face additional inquiries post the festive period.
Following the stampede, the Tamil Nadu Police had alleged that delays in Vijay’s arrival at the venue contributed to the uncontrollable crowd surge, sparking panic. They also highlighted deficiencies in arrangements like food, water, and sanitation facilities, attributing these factors to unrest among the attendees. In response, Vijay dismissed these claims as politically motivated, accusing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of deflecting blame and instead blaming the police for inadequate crowd management.
The CBI’s investigation is ongoing, focusing on reconstructing the events leading to the tragedy to ascertain accountability in the aftermath of the fatal stampede.
