Months after the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 41 people and left more than 60 injured in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay is set to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi on Monday. The move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest incidents in recent political rally history in the state. Vijay, who has been summoned by the CBI, has reportedly flown from Chennai and is expected to attend the agency’s headquarters in Delhi later in the day. The political leader and actor’s appearance marks a significant moment in the probe, given the high-profile nature of the case and the intense public scrutiny surrounding the incident.

The Karur stampede, which occurred on September 27, 2025, unfolded during a rally organized by Vijay in the district. Reports indicate that the rally, which was originally scheduled for the afternoon, quickly turned chaotic as the number of attendees far exceeded expectations. The Tamil Nadu Police and authorities investigating the case have stated that the rally had been organized with an anticipated crowd of approximately 10,000 people, but the actual turnout surged to nearly 27,000 attendees, creating conditions ripe for disaster.

According to statements made by G. Venkatraman, DGP in-charge of Tamil Nadu, the stampede’s severity was exacerbated by Vijay’s late arrival at the event. The rally had been scheduled to commence at 3 PM, yet Vijay only reached the venue at 7:30 PM, leaving attendees waiting for hours under increasingly unsafe conditions. As the crowd grew in size and density over the afternoon, tensions and discomfort among the attendees escalated. The large turnout, coupled with insufficient arrangements for basic amenities such as food, water, and crowd control, created a hazardous environment that ultimately resulted in the deadly stampede.

The situation in Karur on the day of the rally highlighted several logistical failures on the part of the organizers. Despite having requested a larger ground to accommodate the expected crowd, the preparations fell short in dealing with the unprecedented turnout. Authorities noted that the event had begun drawing crowds as early as 11 AM, well before the scheduled start time. By evening, the assembly of attendees had reached overwhelming levels, leaving the event vulnerable to accidents. Many of the victims were women and children who had traveled from across the state to attend Vijay’s rally, adding to the human cost of the disaster.

The aftermath of the stampede sparked widespread public outrage and a serious debate over the responsibilities of political leaders in ensuring the safety of their supporters. Several reports and official statements indicated that the tragic incident could have been avoided had proper crowd management measures and contingency plans been in place. In the days following the tragedy, the Madras High Court reviewed the circumstances of the stampede and issued a strongly worded observation, describing the incident as a “huge man-made disaster.” The court’s remarks underscored the failures of event organizers and local authorities in anticipating the scale of the crowd and safeguarding the attendees’ welfare.

Following the event, the CBI launched a thorough investigation into the factors that contributed to the stampede, examining both procedural lapses and the role of the rally organizers. The agency’s investigation has included questioning TVK office bearers and officials involved in the planning and execution of the rally. Vijay himself was formally summoned by the CBI on January 6, 2026, to provide clarifications regarding his role in the event and the circumstances that led to the stampede. The actor-politician’s impending appearance before the CBI in Delhi has drawn significant attention from both the media and the public, given his stature in Tamil Nadu politics and the entertainment industry.

Security arrangements for Vijay’s travel and appearance have also been a point of focus. The TVK has reportedly requested the Delhi Police to provide adequate security during his stay in the national capital. Given the high-profile nature of the case and the sensitivities surrounding the investigation, authorities are expected to ensure that the actor-politician can cooperate with the CBI without any untoward incidents.

The Karur stampede has not only had tragic human consequences but has also intensified discussions around political accountability in large-scale public events. Analysts have pointed out that the combination of inadequate planning, underestimation of crowd turnout, and delayed arrival of the key political figure contributed significantly to the disaster. The incident has also raised broader concerns about event safety protocols, emergency response readiness, and the legal responsibilities of political leaders hosting rallies that draw tens of thousands of attendees.

In Tamil Nadu, the stampede remains a deeply sensitive subject, with families of the victims seeking justice and accountability. Many victims were elderly, women, and children, which has heightened the public demand for a comprehensive investigation. The CBI’s involvement is seen as a critical step in ensuring that the investigation is impartial and thorough, given that local law enforcement agencies faced criticism for failing to control the crowd and for inadequate planning in advance of the rally.

The legal proceedings surrounding the Karur stampede have also had political ramifications. The event has brought into focus the role of political parties and leaders in ensuring the safety of participants during mass gatherings. Observers have noted that the tragedy could influence public perception of political accountability in Tamil Nadu and potentially impact the electoral landscape. It has also prompted calls for stricter regulatory oversight of political rallies, especially in terms of crowd management, safety measures, and coordination with local authorities.

The CBI is expected to examine various aspects of the Karur incident, including the planning and execution of the rally, crowd control measures, emergency preparedness, and the conduct of the organizers. Vijay’s testimony is likely to provide insights into his knowledge of and involvement in these arrangements. Authorities will also look into whether proper permits were obtained, whether there were any lapses in risk assessment, and how the large crowd was allowed to gather in such a concentrated area without adequate facilities.

As Vijay prepares to appear before the CBI, questions continue to circulate regarding the responsibilities of political leaders in preventing such tragedies. The incident has been widely covered in national and regional media, highlighting the human and administrative failures that led to one of the deadliest rally-related stampedes in recent Tamil Nadu history. Experts have stressed the need for systemic reforms in event management, including better coordination between organizers, law enforcement, and emergency services.

The Karur stampede case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety in mass gatherings and the potential consequences when protocols fail. It underscores the need for proactive planning, robust crowd management strategies, and accountability at all levels to prevent such disasters in the future. The CBI investigation, including Vijay’s questioning in Delhi, represents a critical step in addressing public concerns and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

With Vijay’s appearance scheduled for Monday, authorities, media, and the public are closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal actions are expected to have significant implications, both for the political landscape in Tamil Nadu and for the broader discourse on accountability in public events. The investigation will also likely set a precedent for how large political rallies are organized in the future, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and adherence to safety norms.

The tragedy of the Karur stampede, the ongoing CBI probe, and the involvement of a high-profile figure like Vijay have together turned this incident into a landmark case in the history of political rallies in India. As the investigation continues, it remains imperative for authorities and organizers alike to ensure that the lessons of this disaster are learned, and that adequate measures are implemented to safeguard participants in all future mass gatherings.

The Karur stampede, which began as a political rally but ended in widespread tragedy, will continue to resonate in public discourse, highlighting the intersection of politics, responsibility, and public safety. The CBI’s investigation, and Vijay’s role in it, will be pivotal in determining accountability and preventing similar disasters in the future.