Vijay Gets Fresh CBI Summons in Karur Stampede Case Ahead of ‘Jana Nayagan’ CBFC Hearing

'Jana Nayagan' actor Vijay gets fresh CBI summons: To appear on January 19

In a dramatic convergence of legal scrutiny and cinematic anticipation, Tamil megastar Vijay now faces a critical week that could shape both his public image and film career. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned him for a fresh round of questioning on January 19 in Delhi concerning the deadly Karur stampede that left 41 people dead during a public event linked to his political activities. This legal development arrives just four days before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition demanding immediate certification for his highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan—a project already mired in controversy and political symbolism .

Vijay, who has increasingly blurred the lines between cinema stardom and political ambition, reportedly told CBI investigators in prior sessions that his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), was responsible for organizing the event where the stampede occurred. While he hasn’t been named as an accused, his repeated summonses underscore the agency’s focus on leadership accountability in mass-gathering tragedies—a sensitive issue in India’s public safety discourse .

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The Latest Vijay CBI Summons: Details

The CBI’s notice, issued under Section 160 of the CrPC, requires Vijay to appear at its Delhi headquarters on January 19, 2026. This marks his second formal interaction with the agency since the investigation began. Sources indicate that investigators are probing whether adequate crowd-control measures were implemented and whether organizers ignored police advisories ahead of the event .

While Vijay has maintained cooperation, the repeated summonses keep the Vijay CBI summons narrative alive in media cycles—potentially influencing public perception as he transitions from screen icon to political figurehead. Legal experts note that such appearances are standard in complex cases involving mass casualties, but they carry significant reputational weight.

Karur Stampede Tragedy: What Happened?

The incident occurred in October 2025 during a large public gathering organized by TVK supporters in Karur, Tamil Nadu. As crowds surged toward the stage where party leaders were expected to speak, a bottleneck near a narrow exit triggered panic. Poor infrastructure, lack of barricades, and insufficient police presence turned the event into one of Tamil Nadu’s worst crowd disasters in decades.

Following public outrage, the Tamil Nadu government handed the case to the CBI, citing the need for an impartial probe. The agency is now examining logistical planning, emergency response protocols, and the chain of command within the organizing committee—all while navigating the delicate balance between individual accountability and collective responsibility.

Jana Nayagan and the CBFC Certification Battle

Amid this legal cloud, Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan—a title that translates to “People’s Leader”—faces its own bureaucratic hurdle. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has delayed granting clearance, reportedly due to concerns over politically charged dialogues and imagery that allegedly mirror real-life events, including mass rallies and governance critiques.

Producers have moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the delay violates their right to free expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. The court will hear the plea on January 15—the same day Kamal Haasan is expected to address a national forum on film certification reform . The timing couldn’t be more symbolic: as one Tamil legend pushes for systemic change, another fights for his film’s release.

Kamal Haasan’s Call for Film Certification Reform

Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has long criticized the CBFC for what he calls “arbitrary censorship” and “political interference.” In recent weeks, he has intensified his campaign, urging the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to replace the current certification model with a transparent, time-bound, and appeal-friendly system akin to international standards.

“Art must not be held hostage by bureaucracy,” Haasan stated in a recent interview. His advocacy adds pressure on authorities as the Jana Nayagan case unfolds—raising broader questions about creative freedom versus regulatory oversight in India’s vibrant film industry.

Political Implications for Vijay and TVK

For Vijay and his fledgling party TVK, these parallel developments are a double-edged sword:

  • Negative Perception: Ongoing CBI scrutiny may fuel narratives of organizational negligence.
  • Sympathy Wave: Conversely, supporters may view him as a victim of political targeting.
  • Film as Propaganda: If Jana Nayagan releases uncut, it could serve as a powerful ideological vehicle ahead of state elections.
  • Credibility Test: How Vijay handles both crises will define his transition from star to statesman.

Political analysts suggest that transparency and proactive communication will be key to mitigating fallout from the Karur tragedy while leveraging the cultural momentum of his film.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Week for Tamil Cinema’s Most Watched Star

From the CBI interrogation room in Delhi to the Supreme Court chambers in New Delhi, January 15–19, 2026, will be a defining period for Vijay. The outcome of his Vijay CBI summons and the fate of Jana Nayagan’s certification will not only impact his personal trajectory but also reflect larger tensions between artistic expression, public safety, and political ambition in modern India. One thing is certain: all eyes are on Thalapathy.

Sources

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