NEW DELHI, January 13, 2026 – Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further questioning on January 19 regarding the Karur stampede tragedy, a case that has gripped the nation and sparked intense scrutiny of rally safety protocols.
Second Round of Questioning Amidst Pongal Celebrations
The CBI’s renewed focus on the case comes after an initial six-hour questioning session on Monday, January 12, 2026, where investigators sought to continue their line of inquiry the following day.
What caused the Karur stampede? A tragic surge of attendees at a TVK rally on September 27, 2025, resulted in 41 deaths, prompting widespread calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the event’s planning and security measures.
However, Mr. Vijay requested a postponement due to the upcoming Pongal festival, a significant cultural festivity in Tamil Nadu. The CBI has also been questioning other TVK leaders as part of its investigation, which was re-registered on October 13 following a directive from the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Intervention and Monitoring Committee
The Supreme Court’s decision to order a CBI probe stemmed from concerns about the impartiality of a local investigation, especially given that senior police officials had previously cleared their subordinates in connection with the incident. The court emphasized that entrusting the investigation to the same authorities could compromise its credibility.
“This fact in itself creates a doubt in the minds of the general public about the independence and impartiality of the investigation,” the court stated, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the victims’ families and the broader community. “Caught in the doldrums are the families of the deceased, injured victims and kith and kin of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. For them, the political tussle between the two sides is of little solace.”
To oversee the CBI’s progress, the court has established a three-member monitoring committee, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. The incident, which the court described as having “shaken the national conscience,” underscores the critical need for robust safety measures at large public gatherings.
- The CBI has summoned actor Vijay for a second round of questioning on January 19 regarding the Karur stampede.
- The Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation due to concerns about the impartiality of local authorities.
- A monitoring committee, chaired by Justice Ajay Rastogi, has been formed to oversee the probe.
- The Karur stampede, which occurred during a TVK rally on September 27, 2025, resulted in 41 fatalities.
A visual timeline detailing the unfolding of the Karur stampede tragedy provides a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to and following the incident.
Published – January 13, 2026 07:34 pm IST
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