New Delhi, January 19, 2026 — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay on Monday arrived at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Delhi for a second round of questioning in connection with the Karur stampede case, which claimed 41 lives during a party campaign event in September 2025.
According to sources, Vijay, who is currently staying at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi, reached the CBI headquarters in the late morning hours as part of the ongoing investigation ordered by the Supreme Court.
Background of the Karur Stampede Case
The tragic incident occurred on September 27, 2025, during a TVK political programme in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. What was expected to be a controlled gathering of around 10,000 people reportedly swelled to over 30,000, leading to a massive crowd surge and a deadly stampede.
Following widespread criticism and public outrage, the Supreme Court transferred the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Police to the CBI in October 2025.
Focus on the ‘7-Hour Delay’
One of the key aspects under scrutiny is a 7-hour delay between the scheduled start of the event and Vijay’s actual arrival at the venue.
CBI investigators are examining whether this prolonged wait caused the crowd to multiply uncontrollably, resulting in a complete breakdown of crowd management and safety measures.
Officials are also probing:
- Whether party workers coordinated properly with local police
- How crowd numbers escalated from 10,000 to nearly 30,000
- Whether delays in Vijay’s movement contributed to panic and overcrowding
Organisational and Administrative Lapses Under Scanner
The CBI is closely examining:
- Who organised the Karur programme
- Whether proper permissions were obtained
- If risk assessments were conducted in advance
- Availability of basic facilities like drinking water and medical aid
- Presence of designated entry and exit routes
Investigators are also looking into how Vijay’s modified campaign vehicle moved through the dense crowd and whether its movement worsened the situation.
Timing and Response After the Stampede
Another crucial area of inquiry is the timeline after the tragedy unfolded. The agency is seeking clarity on:
- When Vijay was first informed about the stampede
- His exact arrival and departure timings
- What immediate steps were taken after the incident
Second Round of Questioning
This is Vijay’s second detailed interaction with the CBI in the case. Officials say the questioning is part of a larger effort to fix accountability and identify failures at multiple levels political, organisational, and administrative.
The CBI is expected to continue summoning other party officials, district authorities, and event organisers as the probe progresses.