Vijay Receives CBI Summons in Connection with Karur Stampede Incident

Post by : Mina Rahman

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned TVK leader Vijay for questioning regarding the stampede that took place during a rally in Karur. He is to appear before the agency on Monday, January 12, following a Supreme Court directive for a CBI inquiry into the tragic event.

The incident unfolded on September 27, with a shocking toll of 41 lives lost and over 60 individuals injured. Approximately 30,000 people were present at a location meant to accommodate merely 10,000. Reports indicate significant violations of security protocols, coupled with inadequate provisions for food and drinking water, which exacerbated the calamity.

Vijay’s expected arrival was delayed; he reached the venue around 7 pm instead of the scheduled 12 pm. By then, the crowd had become tumultuous, further intensified by his approach as a surge ensued. Many individuals climbed trees and rooftops, with authorities forced to cut power to prevent electrocution. As he finally appeared, chaos erupted as attendees pushed and hurled objects at his bus, leading to numerous fainting spells. Authorities used a lathi charge to manage the upheaval.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Vijay pledged compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of those deceased, along with Rs 2 lakh for the injured survivors, and promptly halted his statewide campaign.

TVK's Karur West District Secretary, Mathiyazhagan, was taken into custody due to safety oversight but was later released when the court denied an extension of his custody.

More than a month later, Vijay met with the bereaved families at a resort in Mamallapuram, near Chennai. He expressed remorse for the incident and apologized for his delayed visit to Karur, stating, “I felt guilty for not being there. Now that we’ve met, I can begin to heal.”