Fresh developments in the Karur stampede case indicate that actor-politician Vijay may be named in the charge sheet, based on the findings of the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation probe. While Vijay’s name does not figure in the original FIR, reports say the CBI is actively considering his inclusion following detailed questioning and a comparison of his statements with those of other witnesses.
During the latest round of interrogation, CBI officials reportedly confronted Vijay with a series of pointed questions that go to the heart of responsibility and decision-making on the day of the tragedy. Investigators asked why he arrived late at the venue, whether he was aware that disturbances and crowding were already unfolding below, and what concrete steps he took to avert danger. He was also questioned on why his vehicle was driven into the venue despite an overwhelming crowd, when he first realised there was a stampede risk, whether he knew trouble was brewing below the stage, and why he proceeded inside despite police advising against it.
Reports said the agency made it clear that Vijay’s answers to these questions would be crucial in determining whether his name is included in the charge sheet. The CBI is reportedly cross verifying his responses with statements earlier recorded from other party functionaries, looking for contradictions and inconsistencies.
Vijay was earlier questioned last week for nearly seven hours at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi as part of the investigation. During that session, he was reportedly given around 100 questions, initially in a checklist format, followed by a detailed cross-examination conducted in English. After a break for meals, the cross-examination resumed, with Vijay continuing to respond in English throughout.
Among the key questions put to him were why he continued speaking despite the crowd swelling beyond control, whether he followed police instructions at the venue, whether he rejected certain inputs given by the police, the time period for which he was permitted to speak, and the actual duration of his speech. According to reports, Vijay repeatedly sought to place the blame on the Tamil Nadu government, alleging that adequate security was not provided, the crowd was not controlled, and sufficient police protection was not ensured for the public.
The agency is said to be following strict and confidential investigation protocols in the case. A small team of trusted senior officers has reportedly been assigned, with access to files and internal deliberations tightly restricted to prevent leaks. Physical files are sealed and stored securely, while digital records are kept on isolated computer systems. All evidence including documents, call records, financial data, and CCTV footage is being analysed together to identify links and discrepancies. Witnesses are being examined in a planned sequence to ensure earlier statements are not influenced by later testimonies.
Reports also said that Vijay is being questioned alone in a secure room, as part of the CBI’s standard confidential interrogation method. The stated objectives of this approach include preventing destruction of evidence, protecting witnesses, avoiding political or media pressure, and building a strong, court-proof case.
Contrary to claims by some that the case would lose momentum after being handed over to the CBI, political sources say the agency has adopted an unusually firm approach. The investigation, they said, is being pursued with the same seriousness seen in high-profile cases that have shaken the country.
This has reportedly unsettled Vijay’s camp. Reports claim that Vijay has privately complained to close relatives and friends that the Tamil Nadu government could have continued the Karur probe on its own, that the Delhi-based investigation is proceeding in a very different manner, and that he has been unnecessarily dragged into the case.
The CBI is investigating the September 27 stampede at Velusamipuram in Karur, which occurred during a campaign meeting of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and claimed 41 lives, including women and children. In the first phase, the agency questioned over 200 people, including party functionaries, police officers, ambulance drivers, and vehicle owners. Subsequently, key TVK functionaries N Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and Aadhav Arjuna, along with senior police officials, were summoned to Delhi for questioning.
Vijay appeared before the CBI for the first round of questioning on 12 January 2026, where he was examined for over six hours. After seeking time citing the Pongal festival, he was summoned again for a second round.
Reports now indicate that the CBI is preparing to file the charge sheet in the first or second week of February, and that Vijay’s inclusion in the case is increasingly likely as the probe intensifies.
Source: OneIndia Tamil
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