Actor-V turned Politician Vijay Appears Before CBI in Karur Stampede Case

Chennai/New Delhi, January 12, 2026: Actor-turned-politician and Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday in connection with the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, which claimed 41 lives last year. The CBI questioned him about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including his awareness of the expected crowd and the safety arrangements at the event venue.

Officials stated that the CBI sought details from Vijay regarding his delayed arrival at the rally and why he left the venue shortly after the stampede occurred. The questioning forms part of the Supreme Court-mandated probe into the incident.

Vijay traveled to Delhi from Tamil Nadu early Monday morning aboard a special aircraft. Upon arrival, he was taken to the CBI headquarters and then to the investigation team handling the Karur case. Sources confirmed that the CBI has already questioned several senior party officials of TVK. Based on Vijay’s responses and the evidence collected, the agency will decide whether to file a formal chargesheet in the matter.

The stampede took place on September 27, 2025, during a public rally organized by Vijay in Karur, resulting in 41 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The Supreme Court had ordered a detailed investigation into the incident, following which the CBI took over the case from the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The inquiry comes at a politically significant time, as Tamil Nadu prepares for Assembly elections in March-April 2026. This will be the first election in which Vijay’s TVK will contest, placing additional scrutiny on the leader and his party in the run-up to the polls.