CBI Seizes Vijay’s Campaign Bus in Karur Stampede Case, Probe Intensifies
CBI scrutinises vehicle movement, rally permissions and crowd management; Vijay to appear before investigators on January 12
India, Jan 10 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has seized actor politician Vijay’s campaign bus as part of its investigation into the deadly stampede that occurred during his public meeting in Karur on September 27 last year, which claimed 41 lives and left several others injured.
Officials said the campaign vehicle, used by Vijay during the rally and transported from Panaiyur to Karur, is being examined to verify movement records, travel timings and adherence to permissions granted for the event. The driver of the bus is also being questioned to corroborate details related to the rally schedule and crowd movement on the day of the tragedy.
The stampede reportedly broke out amid heavy crowding and alleged lapses in crowd management at the venue where Vijay addressed supporters. Following directions for an impartial investigation, the case was transferred to the CBI, which has since intensified its probe.
As part of the investigation, several senior leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) were questioned in New Delhi on November 25, including party General Secretary Bussy Anand, Election Campaign Management General Secretary Adhav Arjun and Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar. TVK Karur West District Secretary KP Mathiyazhagan and M.C. Paunraj were also examined.
Investigators questioned them on rally planning, permissions, estimated crowd size, security arrangements and logistical coordination. On December 4, Karur District Collector Thangavelam was summoned and questioned for over two hours regarding administrative approvals, inter departmental coordination and emergency response measures in place during the event.
In a further escalation, the CBI has issued a formal summons to Vijay, directing him to appear before investigators at the agency’s New Delhi headquarters on January 12. Sources said the questioning will focus on his role as the principal speaker, event planning, and decisions taken by the organising committee related to crowd control.
The CBI aims to fix accountability for the lapses that led to one of the deadliest political rally tragedies in recent years. Officials indicated that further questioning and scrutiny of documentary and electronic evidence will continue in the coming days.
