Karur Stampede Case: CBI Turns Heat on Actor Vijay as TVK Chief Faces Second Round of Questioning

Karur stampede case: CBI heat on Vijay continues; TVK chief summoned on Jan 19

In a dramatic escalation of one of Tamil Nadu’s most politically sensitive investigations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the Karur stampede case—turning its focus squarely on superstar-turned-politician Vijay and his newly formed party, the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The agency has summoned TVK chief S. Thirunavukkarasu for a second round of questioning on January 19, signaling that this high-profile inquiry is far from over .

The incident, which occurred during a public event in Karur district in late 2025, left multiple people injured in a chaotic crowd surge. While initial reports pointed to poor crowd management, the CBI’s involvement—ordered by the Madras High Court—has raised questions about potential lapses in security planning, political oversight, and organizational accountability.

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What Happened in the Karur Stampede Case?

On December 28, 2025, a massive public gathering organized by the TVK in Karur turned tragic when a sudden surge in the crowd led to a stampede near the venue entrance. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thousands of supporters—many arriving to catch a glimpse of actor Vijay—overwhelmed barricades and emergency exits .

Official reports confirmed at least 12 injuries, with several requiring hospitalization. While no fatalities were reported, the incident sparked immediate outrage over alleged negligence in event planning, lack of coordination with local police, and inadequate medical response.

Why Is the CBI Investigating?

Following public outcry and petitions from civil society groups, the Madras High Court transferred the case from local authorities to the CBI in early January 2026. The court cited “serious lapses in crowd control” and concerns about “potential political interference” in the initial probe .

The CBI’s mandate is to determine whether criminal negligence, violation of public safety laws, or failure to obtain proper permissions contributed to the chaos. Under Section 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code (causing hurt by endangering life), organizers could face legal consequences if found culpable.

Vijay’s Role and Growing Scrutiny

Although actor Vijay was not physically present at the Karur event, he remains central to the investigation due to his position as the founder and public face of TVK. Investigators are examining internal communications, event approvals, and financial records to assess his level of involvement in planning and oversight.

Notably, the CBI has not yet summoned Vijay directly—but sources indicate that his close aides and party officials have been extensively questioned. Legal experts suggest that if evidence points to systemic failures within TVK’s event management team, Vijay could be called in for formal questioning under Section 160 of the CrPC .

This development comes at a delicate time for Vijay, who is widely speculated to be preparing for a formal entry into electoral politics. The Karur stampede case now threatens to overshadow his political debut with allegations of administrative recklessness.

TVK Chief Summoned Again: Key Details

S. Thirunavukkarasu, the general secretary of TVK, was first questioned by the CBI on January 12. Now, he has been summoned again for January 19—a move that typically indicates investigators have uncovered new leads or inconsistencies in prior statements.

According to CBI protocols, a second summons often precedes either the filing of a chargesheet or the closure of an investigation. Observers believe the agency is cross-verifying claims about:

  • Permits obtained from local municipal authorities
  • Security arrangements and crowd estimates
  • Communication logs between TVK organizers and district police
  • Emergency response timelines and medical aid deployment

Political Fallout in Tamil Nadu

The Karur stampede case has ignited fierce debate across Tamil Nadu’s political spectrum. Opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have accused TVK of prioritizing spectacle over public safety. Social media campaigns demand accountability, while Vijay’s supporters argue the event was sabotaged by rival groups.

For now, TVK maintains that it followed all guidelines and blames “unforeseen crowd influx” for the incident. However, internal party documents reviewed by journalists suggest that warnings from local officials about venue capacity were allegedly ignored .

This case echoes past tragedies like the 2013 Prayag Kumbh Mela stampede and the 2014 Godhra rally incident, where courts held organizers criminally liable for failing to ensure basic safety measures.

Under the Tamil Nadu District Police Act and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, event organizers must coordinate with district magistrates and submit detailed crowd management plans. Failure to do so can result in fines, imprisonment, or both .

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued guidelines stating that “public figures bear heightened responsibility” when hosting mass gatherings—a principle that may influence the CBI’s final conclusions.

What Happens Next?

With the January 19 questioning of the TVK chief looming, all eyes are on the CBI’s next move. Possible outcomes include:

  1. A formal chargesheet naming individuals or the organization
  2. A clean chit if negligence cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt
  3. Recommendations for stricter regulations on political rallies in Tamil Nadu

Regardless of the legal outcome, the Karur stampede case has already reshaped public discourse around celebrity-led political movements—and underscored the non-negotiable priority of public safety in democratic engagement.

Sources

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