CBI grills Vijay for six hours in Karur stampede probe; actor faces tough questions on crowd control and delay

• Second Round of Questioning Focuses on Administrative Lapses, Crowd Mismanagement and Vicarious Liability
• Investigators Examine Vijay’s Role as Campaign Leader, Decision-Maker and Public Face of the Rally
• Charge-Sheet May Mention Actor’s Role Without Penal Consequences, Say Sources
• TVK Dismisses ‘Rumours’, Says Party Fully Cooperating with Probe

The questioning was conducted by a team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, reflecting the agency’s focus on administrative clearances, accountability, and systemic failures surrounding the rally.

Six Hours at CBI HQ, Focus on Evidence and Responsibility

Clad in a light brown shirt, Vijay arrived at the CBI headquarters on Lodhi Road at around 10.20 am and left the premises close to 5 pm, following over six hours of sustained questioning, sources said.

According to officials familiar with the proceedings, Vijay was subjected to a rigorous interrogation, during which he was asked to substantiate his public allegations against the district administration, particularly his claim that adequate police deployment was absent at the rally venue.

Investigators also questioned whether Vijay, while standing atop the campaign bus, was aware of the developing crowd crush and whether any steps were taken to pause or halt proceedings despite visible signs of chaos.

Delay in Reaching Venue Under CBI Lens

A major line of inquiry reportedly centred on the delay in Vijay’s arrival at Velusamypuram, the rally venue in Karur, on September 27. The questioning drew upon depositions submitted by the police, district administration officials, the campaign bus driver, and rally organisers.

Sources indicated that the CBI sought Vijay’s explanation on:

• Whether the delay was deliberate or unavoidable
• If it was intended to mobilise a larger crowd
• Whether he was stuck due to swelling crowds
• Or if logistical or political considerations influenced his movement that day

The agency also questioned the decision-making chain behind the rally — including the choice of venue, timing, and announcements made by TVK general secretary Bussy N. Anand, who had publicly stated that Vijay would reach the venue by noon.

Speech Amid Chaos, Exit from Venue Questioned

Investigators further probed why Vijay continued his address even as disorder reportedly broke out in the crowd, and whether he was conscious of the crowd mismanagement when he exited the venue.

The CBI is said to be examining whether vicarious liability could be attributed to Vijay in the charge-sheet — a legal provision that may acknowledge responsibility without attracting direct penal consequences.

Sources clarified that the charge-sheet is not imminent, and the decision to categorise individuals as accused or witnesses will be taken only after a comprehensive assessment of all statements from stakeholders involved in granting permissions, organising, and managing the event.

‘Truth Will Come Out,’ Says TVK

Stepping out of the CBI headquarters after the questioning, Vijay appeared visibly strained and briefly waved to supporters waiting outside, without addressing the media.

Responding to speculation surrounding the probe, TVK leader C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar dismissed reports suggesting wrongdoing.

“There are lots of rumours going around. Those are rumours. Those are untrue. We all know what happened in Karur,” he said.

Referring to visits by BJP leaders to the incident site, he added: “The BJP MPs’ team from Delhi visited the spot and assessed the ground there. Even the Tamil Nadu BJP president visited the spot and he also knows what exactly happened in Karur. We are cooperating with the investigating agency. The truth has to come out.”

Legal Spotlight on Political Accountability

The Karur stampede case has emerged as a critical test of political accountability, particularly in large-scale rallies where crowd control, administrative preparedness and leadership responsibility intersect. With Vijay now entering active politics through TVK, the outcome of the CBI probe is being closely watched for its legal, political and electoral implications.