The enquiry into the Karur stampede case formally began on Monday as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay appeared at the CBI office in New Delhi in connection with the investigation.
This marks his second appearance before the Central Bureau of Investigation regarding the tragic crowd crush at a political rally in Karur last year, which claimed 41 lives and left over 100 injured.
The Karur stampede occurred during a TVK-organized public event where thousands had gathered to hear the party chief speak. Eyewitnesses reported sudden panic triggered by overcrowding near barricades, which led to people being crushed in the chaos. The incident quickly became a national talking point, highlighting major concerns about event crowd management, public safety measures, and emergency response protocols.
Following the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government transferred the case to the CBI amid public demand for an independent probe. The investigation aims to examine lapses in crowd control, planning, and administrative oversight, including the role of police, organizers, and event management teams.
During his appearance, Vijay reportedly cooperated fully with the investigators, providing detailed accounts of the event’s planning, arrangements, and security measures in place. The CBI is also questioning other key functionaries and local organizers, gathering evidence from video footage, witness testimonies, and official reports to determine accountability.
The case has continued to draw nationwide attention, with victims’ families seeking justice and stricter regulations for large-scale public gatherings. Officials have indicated that the ongoing enquiry will focus not only on assigning responsibility but also on implementing preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.