Actor Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential public figures, arrived in New Delhi to comply with a summons issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Karur stampede case. His visit has drawn widespread attention, not only because of his stature in cinema and public life, but also due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and the scale of the tragedy involved.
Background of the Case
The CBI inquiry relates to the tragic stampede incident that occurred in Karur district, in which 41 people lost their lives during a public gathering. The incident had triggered nationwide outrage, prompting demands for accountability and a thorough investigation into crowd management failures, permissions granted for the event, and the role of organisers and coordinators involved in planning and execution.
Given the magnitude of the loss and the public interest involved, the investigation was transferred to the CBI to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe.
Vijay’s Appearance Before the CBI
Actor Vijay was formally summoned by the CBI as part of the inquiry process. In compliance with the directive, he travelled to Delhi on a private chartered aircraft, a move that underscored both security concerns and the tight scheduling involved. Visuals of his departure and arrival quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking intense debate and speculation.
Sources confirmed that Vijay chose to cooperate fully with the investigation and did not seek exemption or postponement. His decision to appear in person was viewed by many as a significant development in the case.
Members Who Accompanied Vijay
Vijay was not alone during his travel to the national capital. He was accompanied by six members, including:
- Aadhav Arjuna – Political strategist and close associate
- Senior legal advisors
- Trusted aides and security personnel
While only Aadhav Arjuna’s name has been widely reported, officials confirmed that the remaining individuals included legal counsel and administrative aides who assist Vijay in legal and logistical matters. Their presence was aimed at ensuring procedural clarity and coordination during the inquiry.
Earlier Questioning by the CBI
Before summoning Vijay, the CBI had already questioned several key individuals linked to the event. These included:
- Bussy Anand – General Secretary of TVK
- Aadhav Arjuna
- Other organisers and coordinators connected to crowd arrangements and permissions
Investigators reportedly focused on understanding the chain of command, event approvals, security deployment, and communication failures that may have contributed to the deadly stampede.
Focus of the Investigation
The CBI’s questioning is said to revolve around:
- Event planning and permissions
- Crowd size estimation and control measures
- Deployment of police and emergency services
- Responsibility for safety lapses
- Decision-making hierarchy during the event
Officials have clarified that a summons does not imply guilt, but is part of a fact-finding exercise to reconstruct the sequence of events accurately.
Public and Political Reactions
Vijay’s appearance before the CBI has evoked mixed reactions. Supporters praised him for cooperating with authorities, while critics demanded strict accountability irrespective of stature or influence. Political circles have also closely watched the developments, given Vijay’s growing role in public life beyond cinema.
Legal experts noted that high-profile cases often require multiple rounds of questioning to ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.
What Lies Ahead
The CBI is expected to continue recording statements and analysing documentary evidence before arriving at conclusions. Further summonses or clarifications cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. Officials have maintained that the probe will follow evidence alone, without external pressure.
As families of the victims continue to seek justice, the case remains a reminder of the devastating consequences of administrative lapses during mass gatherings.
