The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally issued a notice to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay to appear in person for questioning in New Delhi on 12 January, in connection with the Karur stampede case. The court will be seeking his explanation regarding the conduct of the rally and the arrangements made to manage the crowd.
The Karur tragedy claimed 41 lives
A total of 41 people were killed, and at least 110 others were injured in the stampede that occurred during a rally organised by the political party at Veluchamipuram in Karur district on 27 September 2025.
The stampede broke out after a massive crowd, beyond expected numbers, gathered at the political rally led by Vijay.
The loss of lives in the incident prompted a thorough investigation into the case to determine the cause of the stampede, examine crowd management arrangements, verify permissions granted for the rally, and identify loopholes in organising the rally.
Taking cognisance of the case, the Supreme Court issued an interim order on 13 October 2025 and transferred the case to the CBI from the state police.
| Tragedy at Karur rally | Death toll rises to 41, including nine children. Madras High Court to hear the case as allegations mount against police and the state over the stampede. #KarurRally #Stampede #Tragedy #MadrasHighCourt #TheStatesman pic.x.com/ljjLy7Aq5o
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) September 29, 2025
Interrogations underway
The central investigating agency is conducting thorough investigations to probe all possible angles, from lapses in crowd control to flaws in event management. All documentary, video and witness evidence are being collected and examined.
Apart from Vijay, several senior office-bearers of the TVK, including TVK State General Secretary Bussy Anand, Joint Secretaries Nirmal Kumar and Adhav Arjun, and Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, have also been summoned for questioning in the case.
After appearing before the CBI, Nirmal Kumar told reporters that video evidence related to the incident has been submitted to help investigators in the probe.
Also read: Narrow stretch, long wait, poor planning, police indifference led to Karur stampede