After nearly seven hours of sustained questioning, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay left the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in New Delhi around 6 pm on Monday, marking a crucial development in the probe into the Karur stampede incident.
Vijay had arrived at the CBI office earlier in the day after flying from Chennai on a chartered aircraft. Tight security arrangements were put in place around the agency’s headquarters, with Delhi Police and central forces deployed to regulate movement, even as a small number of supporters gathered nearby.
The CBI questioned Vijay on various aspects related to the planning, permissions and crowd management measures for the political rally held in Karur in September last year, which turned tragic following a massive surge of people. The incident resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, drawing nationwide attention and political controversy.
The case was handed over to the CBI following directions from the Supreme Court, which ordered an independent investigation after concerns were raised over the state-level inquiry. Sources indicated that the agency is examining the role of organisers, local officials and party functionaries in ensuring safety at the event.
TVK sources reiterated that Vijay is fully cooperating with the investigation and is willing to appear again if summoned. The CBI is expected to continue questioning other key witnesses before taking a call on the next stage of the probe, including the filing of a charge sheet.