CBI Ramps Up Pressure in Karur Stampede Case; Seizes Vijay’s Campaign Bus

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its high-stakes probe into the deadly Karur stampede, seizing the campaign vehicle of actor-politician Vijay and issuing a formal summons for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader to appear at its New Delhi headquarters on January 12, the IANS reported.

The investigation seeks to establish accountability for the tragic events of September 27 last year, when a massive crowd surge during a TVK rally in Velusamypuram resulted in 41 deaths and left over 100 supporters injured.

Forensic Scrutiny of the Campaign Bus
In a major tactical move, investigators seized Vijay's custom-built campaign bus and transported it from Panaiyur to Karur for a detailed technical examination. Federal agents, supported by experts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), are analyzing:

Travel and Log Data: Cross-referencing GPS records with the event's approved schedule to investigate claims that a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival exacerbated crowd tensions.

Crowd Interaction: Reviewing how the vehicle's movement and the failure of onboard equipment-such as microphones and spotlights-contributed to three distinct waves of "crush" events reported by witnesses.

Driver Testimony: The vehicle's driver is currently being grilled to corroborate the sequence of receptions held along the route, which police allege violated traffic regulations.

Vijay Summoned to the Capital
The summons for Vijay marks a pivotal turn in the Supreme Court-monitored inquiry. Justice Ajay Rastogi's oversight committee is reportedly focusing on whether the TVK leadership deliberately ignored police warnings to "exhibit political strength." Vijay will be questioned on his specific role in the organizing committee and the decision-making process regarding security lapses at the venue

The CBI's "temporary office" at the Karur Circuit House has become a hub of activity. In recent days, Karur District Collector Thangavelam and SP K. Jose Thangaiah have been questioned regarding administrative approvals.

Summons were issued this week to over 500 police personnel listed in the original bandobast (security) plan to determine if deployment was sufficient.

Senior party figures, including Bussy Anand and Adhav Arjun, have already provided video evidence to the agency, alleging that the tragedy was a result of state government mismanagement rather than organizational failure.

As the January 12 deadline approaches, the CBI is expected to decide whether to file a formal chargesheet, a move that could have profound implications for Vijay's political aspirations ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, the release of Vijay's latest movie Jana Nayagan has been postponed in the last minute after facing issues from the Censor Board. It was scheduled for release on January 9.

With inputs from IANS