The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday began a detailed line of questioning of actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay in connection with the tragic Karur stampede, focusing on alleged delays, crowd control lapses, and the organisational responsibilities surrounding the event. The stampede, which occurred on September 27, 2025, during a campaign programme of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), claimed 41 lives and left many others injured, sparking widespread outrage and judicial scrutiny.

The investigation, now under the CBI following a Supreme Court order, has been examining the circumstances that contributed to the stampede, including the alleged seven-hour delay at the venue. Authorities are scrutinising the discrepancy between the programme’s scheduled start time and Vijay’s actual arrival, assessing whether the delay led to the crowd swelling beyond control. The incident saw an estimated crowd of 10,000 grow to nearly 30,000, raising questions about the adequacy of crowd management measures in place.

The CBI is also investigating coordination between party workers and local authorities, including the police and district administration. This includes examining how Vijay’s modified campaign caravan moved through the dense gathering and whether basic arrangements, such as drinking water facilities, designated entry and exit points, and risk assessments, were implemented prior to the event. Investigators are looking into who organised the programme, when Vijay was informed, and the internal chain of responsibility within TVK for planning and executing the event.

Officials are questioning Vijay about the sequence of events, including when he became aware of the stampede and the actions taken immediately afterwards. The CBI is also verifying documents related to permissions and approvalsobtained for the event, and whether proper coordination with district authorities was carried out for safety measures.

Vijay arrived in New Delhi from Chennai on a chartered flight to cooperate with the CBI inquiry. The agency has summoned him under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing him to present himself for questioning. Earlier this month, the summons was formally issued, dated January 6, 2026.

Several senior TVK officials have already been questioned, and video footage submitted by the party has been reviewed by the CBI. The campaign vehicle used by Vijay during the event has also been examined, and the driver questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Party sources have claimed that the footage shows lapses by the Tamil Nadu government, raising concerns over whether state authorities failed to ensure crowd safety despite prior knowledge of large-scale attendance.

The Karur stampede had triggered an immediate public and legal outcry, leading to a Supreme Court intervention. The apex court, recognising the gravity of the incident and potential lapses, transferred the investigation to the CBI to ensure an independent and thorough inquiry. The Court also constituted a supervisory committee to oversee the proceedings.

In December 2025, the Tamil Nadu government had filed a counter-affidavit in the Supreme Court, challenging the decision to order a CBI probe. The state argued that the CBI intervention was unnecessary. However, TVK rejected the state’s claims, stating that the counter-affidavit lacked material facts and misrepresented the situation, potentially obstructing the ongoing investigation and judicial supervision. The party emphasised that many statements in the state’s filing were false and misleading, undermining accountability and delaying justice for the victims.

The CBI investigation is expected to address critical questions of responsibility, including whether party organisers and local authorities adequately assessed risks, implemented preventive measures, and maintained clear communication lines during the programme. Investigators are also examining whether Vijay and his team followed standard crowd management protocols that are essential for gatherings of such magnitude, particularly given the history of political events in Tamil Nadu that have drawn large crowds.

Experts note that the Karur stampede reflects systemic gaps in event management and public safety planning, especially during high-profile political rallies. The CBI’s focus on delays, crowd coordination, and organisational responsibilities aims to establish accountability across multiple levels — from the event organisers to political leadership and local administration.

The inquiry will also likely explore emergency response protocols at the venue, including medical preparedness, access for ambulances, and evacuation strategies. Investigators are evaluating whether lapses in these areas contributed to the scale of casualties and whether proper standard operating procedures were disregarded.

Vijay’s cooperation with the CBI forms a key part of the investigation. His testimony, along with the accounts of party functionaries and local authorities, is expected to shed light on decision-making processes, timing of arrivals and movements, and real-time crowd control measures employed during the event. The agency is using a combination of eyewitness statements, video evidence, and administrative records to reconstruct the sequence of events.