New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday conducted the second round of questioning of Tamil actor and political leader Vijay, who also heads the political party TVK, in connection with the Karur stampede case. The incident, which occurred on September 27, 2025, claimed 41 lives and left more than 60 people injured during a public rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu.

Vijay arrived at the CBI headquarters on Lodhi Road in New Delhi early in the morning in a convoy of luxury SUVs. He is being questioned by a team led by a deputy superintendent of police rank officer drawn from the agency’s anti-corruption division.

This is the second time Vijay is being examined by the CBI in this matter. He was first questioned for over six hours on January 12, 2026, covering various aspects of the incident, including his role in decision-making regarding the rally, reasons for delays, continuation of his speech amidst the gathering, knowledge of the chaos, crowd turnout, and overall management of the event. Initially, he was scheduled to appear on January 13, but requested a rescheduling due to the Pongal festival, which the agency accommodated.

Investigation Status

The CBI took over the case from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following directions from the Supreme Court of India. The apex court, in October last year, had instructed the CBI director to assign a senior officer to oversee the probe. Additionally, a supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi was constituted to monitor the investigation.

The court had emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that the stampede left a lasting impact on citizens nationwide. The bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria highlighted the broader implications of the tragedy, particularly concerning the fundamental rights of the families who lost loved ones.

“The faith and trust of the general public in the criminal justice system must be restored. One way to instill such trust is by ensuring that the investigation in the present case is completely impartial, independent, and unbiased,” the bench had said.

Focus of the Questioning

During the second round of questioning, the CBI is focusing on multiple aspects:

• Vijay’s role in decision-making regarding the rally’s organization
• The reasons behind delays in his arrival and speech
• His awareness and reaction to the crowd management situation
• Coordination between party officials, local administration, and police during the event
• Accountability in terms of crowd safety and preventive measures

The CBI will analyze his statements along with testimonies of senior political officials of his party, police personnel, and district administration officers who were responsible for event clearance and crowd management. Based on this analysis, the agency will decide on individual accountability and determine which names, if any, should be included in the chargesheet.

Background of the Stampede

The Karur stampede occurred during a public political rally, drawing thousands of attendees. Reports indicate that a combination of factors, including mismanagement of the crowd, narrow exit routes, and delayed interventions, contributed to the tragedy. The scale of the disaster prompted widespread public outrage and demands for a thorough investigation.

Initially, the investigation was handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Tamil Nadu government. However, in light of concerns over impartiality, the Supreme Court directed the CBI to take over the case to ensure a transparent and unbiased inquiry.

Supreme Court Oversight

The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the sensitive nature of the case and the need for meticulous investigation. The court had explicitly instructed that the investigation must uphold public trust, ensure accountability, and deliver justice to the families of the victims. The formation of a supervisory committee led by a former Supreme Court judgeis intended to oversee the CBI’s actions and maintain transparency throughout the process.

Next Steps

After completion of the questioning, the CBI will compile Vijay’s statements with other evidence and testimonies before making any decisions regarding the chargesheet. The agency’s investigation is ongoing, with a focus on understanding the chain of responsibility, evaluating preventive measures that were in place, and determining if negligence or misconduct by any individuals contributed to the tragedy.

The investigation has drawn national attention due to Vijay’s dual role as a leading actor and political figure, raising complex questions about political accountability in mass gatherings. The Supreme Court has emphasized that the inquiry must be independent of political influence, and the CBI has reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair and thorough investigation.

As the probe continues, families of the victims and the general public are closely monitoring developments, hoping for swift justice and clarity on the circumstances that led to the loss of 41 lives in the Karur stampede.