In a high-stakes development for Tamil Nadu politics, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified its probe into the tragic Karur stampede by interrogating Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder-president and actor Vijay on Monday. The questioning, which lasted over six hours at the agency’s headquarters in New Delhi, centered on the logistical failures that led to the deaths of 41 people during a political rally on September 27, 2025.

Vijay, who arrived via a chartered flight from Chennai, faced a barrage of questions from the CBI’s Anti-Corruption unit. Sources reveal that the investigators focused on the “seven-hour delay” in his arrival at the Veluswamypuram venue, which allegedly caused the crowd to swell beyond manageable limits. The agency is examining whether the delay was a tactical move that inadvertently triggered the fatal crush.

During the session, the TVK chief reportedly maintained that neither his party nor his functionaries were responsible for the tragedy. He informed investigators that he departed the venue early only to prevent further chaos as his presence was causing additional surges. This defense follows the Supreme Court’s October 2025 order to transfer the case to the CBI, citing a need for an “unbiased investigation” after concerns were raised about the state police’s impartiality.

While the CBI sought to continue the questioning today, Vijay has requested a fresh date after the Pongal festival, citing personal commitments. The agency is also analyzing statements from former ADG (Law and Order) S. Davidson Devasirvatham and various TVK district secretaries as they move toward filing a comprehensive chargesheet.