CBI Summons TVK Chief Vijay in Karur Stampede Case
Actor-politician to appear before probe agency on January 12 following Supreme Court-ordered investigation.
- CBI summons Vijay for questioning in Karur stampede case
- Supreme Court had ordered CBI probe
- 41 people died, over 60 injured during Vijay’s rally
- Security lapses and overcrowding flagged by officials
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 6th Jan: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for questioning in connection with the Karur stampede case. He has been asked to appear before the agency on Monday, January 12.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a CBI probe into the tragedy in which 41 people lost their lives and at least 60 others were injured during Vijay’s rally held on September 27 in Karur district.
According to officials, nearly 30,000 people had gathered at a venue with a capacity of about 10,000, leading to massive overcrowding. Security guidelines were allegedly violated and arrangements for food and drinking water were inadequate, which aggravated the situation.
Vijay was scheduled to arrive at the venue at 12 pm but reportedly reached around 7 pm, by which time the crowd had swelled further. His arrival is said to have triggered another surge as supporters rushed towards his campaign bus. Many climbed trees, rooftops and power lines, forcing authorities to cut electricity supply to prevent electrocution.
Officials said that as Vijay arrived, people began pushing one another and even threw slippers at the campaign bus to draw his attention, causing several to faint. Police subsequently resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
A day after the incident, Vijay announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured. His statewide tour was also suspended.
TVK’s Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan was arrested in connection with the case, with police citing lapses in arrangements. He was later released after a court declined to extend his judicial custody.
More than a month after the tragedy, Vijay met the families of the victims at a resort in Mamallapuram near Chennai, where he apologised for the incident and for not being able to visit Karur immediately after the stampede.
