The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday questioned Tamil actor-turned-politician and chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar—popularly known by his mononym, Vijay—in connection with the Karur stampede case that left at least 41 people dead and many others injured during a political rally in September 2025. Officials said Vijay was grilled for over six hours about his delayed arrival at the rally venue, a factor that reportedly contributed to the chaos in a densely packed area.

Vijay arrived at the CBI headquarters in Delhi around 11:30 am and was questioned until approximately 6:15 pm. The agency’s questioning focused on several aspects of the rally, including the permissions granted for the event, arrangements for crowd management, security measures in place, and the circumstances that led to his late arrival. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the session as “thorough,” noting that investigators sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the organisers in ensuring the safety of attendees during the rally.

The questioning came amid heightened security at the CBI headquarters in anticipation of a large gathering of fans outside the office. Several units of central paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police were deployed at the CGO Complex to maintain order. Around 60–70 of Vijay’s supporters were reported to have gathered outside, waving banners and chanting slogans in solidarity with the actor-politician. Despite the crowd, the questioning proceeded without disruption.

Officials confirmed that Vijay sought exemption from appearing again this week due to the Pongal festival. It was decided that he will be called for further questioning at a later date to continue the probe.

The Karur stampede occurred on September 27, 2025, during a political rally organised by TVK in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. The rally, which drew an unexpectedly massive crowd, turned chaotic as the gathering spilled into a confined area without adequate crowd management or safety measures. Panic among attendees led to a deadly stampede, claiming 41 lives and injuring dozens of others. The tragedy raised serious questions about event planning, administrative oversight, and the responsibilities of both organisers and law enforcement personnel.

The Supreme Court had taken cognisance of the incident and directed the CBI to take over the investigation on October 26, citing concerns about impartiality in the ongoing state-level inquiry. Prior to the apex court’s intervention, the Madras High Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the tragedy. In December, the Tamil Nadu government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court urging the apex court to recall its order and allow the SIT to continue the probe, claiming it had the requisite capability to investigate the incident.

Since taking over the case, the CBI has conducted a detailed and multi-pronged investigation. Officials visited the Karur site multiple times, collecting both documentary and digital evidence. They also questioned more than 200 individuals, including victims’ families, party workers, local policemen, district administration officials, and event organisers. The agency has been methodical in examining all aspects of the incident, from permissions and crowd control planning to the coordination between organisers and local authorities.

In addition to Vijay, the agency also questioned senior Tamil Nadu cadre police officer S. Davidson Devasirvatham, currently serving as the Director General of Police (Armed Police) in the state. Devasirvatham was questioned separately, with investigators seeking clarity on the administrative and policing arrangements made for the rally. Officials indicated that both Vijay and Devasirvatham were asked to provide detailed accounts of the preparations, execution, and aftermath of the event.

The Supreme Court, while directing the CBI to take over the investigation, had also set up a three-member monitoring committee to oversee the probe. The committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi and includes two IPS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre. The bench, comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria, emphasized the politically sensitive nature of the case and highlighted concerns about media statements made by senior police officers, which could potentially influence public perception about the fairness of the investigation. The court underscored that the inquiry must remain impartial and thorough to maintain public confidence in the judicial and investigative process.

TVK, the party led by Vijay, has consistently maintained that the stampede was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at discrediting the fledgling political outfit. In its petitions, the party claimed that the tragedy was not merely an accident but the result of deliberate lapses designed to create chaos and undermine the credibility of the rally. Consequently, TVK had actively sought a CBI probe, citing fears that the state-level investigation under the SIT could be influenced by political considerations.

Vijay, who transitioned from a celebrated film career to politics, has previously expressed grief and solidarity with the families of those affected by the stampede. However, his delayed arrival at the venue on the day of the rally has come under scrutiny in both media and legal circles. The CBI’s focus on this particular aspect is critical, as investigators are seeking to determine whether his timing contributed to overcrowding, panic, and the eventual stampede.

Security and crowd management arrangements have also come under intense examination. The agency has sought documents related to permissions granted for the rally, plans for managing the expected turnout, and coordination between TVK officials and local law enforcement. Investigators are attempting to establish whether lapses occurred at any stage, including pre-event planning, ground execution, and emergency response.

The probe also delves into whether the police and district administration acted in accordance with standard protocols for large gatherings. The questioning of Devasirvatham and other officials is part of the effort to trace accountability across multiple levels of responsibility. In particular, the CBI is investigating whether senior officers exercised due diligence in anticipating risks associated with a large crowd in a confined space and whether they adequately communicated and enforced safety measures.

Analysts note that the CBI’s inquiry is likely to be prolonged due to the complex nature of the case, involving multiple stakeholders, administrative bodies, and political figures. With the Supreme Court’s oversight and the monitoring committee in place, the investigation aims to establish a clear chain of responsibility and prevent any perception of bias or partiality.

Public sentiment surrounding the case remains intense, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where Vijay enjoys a massive fan base. The presence of hundreds of supporters outside the CBI office on Monday highlights the continued public attention and the delicate balancing act faced by authorities in ensuring both security and transparency during high-profile questioning.

The Karur stampede case is emblematic of the challenges posed by large-scale political events in densely populated areas, particularly when coupled with lapses in planning and communication. Experts emphasise the importance of clear protocols, timely coordination between organisers and authorities, and strict adherence to safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation proceeds, the Supreme Court’s monitoring committee and the CBI will continue to scrutinize all aspects of the incident, from permissions and crowd arrangements to the role of the chief political figure present at the event. Vijay’s follow-up appearances before the agency, as well as testimonies from other officials and witnesses, are expected to form critical elements in establishing a comprehensive understanding of what led to the tragic outcome.

The case also raises broader questions about accountability in political rallies and public events in India, particularly those attracting large crowds. Experts argue that the tragedy could serve as a turning point for authorities to enforce stricter safety measures, crowd management protocols, and regulatory compliance, especially for events organised by high-profile political parties and figures.

In conclusion, Monday’s questioning of Vijay by the CBI represents a significant phase in the ongoing probe into the Karur stampede. The focus on his delayed arrival, the event’s organisational aspects, and the responsibilities of senior police and administrative officers underscores the agency’s commitment to conducting a thorough, impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. As the probe continues, further appearances and detailed scrutiny of evidence are expected to shed light on the factors that contributed to one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rally tragedies.