The Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Thalapathy Vijay for questioning in connection with the tragic stampede at his political rally in Karur on September 27, 2025. Vijay has been directed to appear before the agency on Monday, January 12, 2026, following a Supreme Court directive transferring the case to CBI for an impartial probe.
The incident claimed 41 lives and left over 60 people injured when an estimated crowd of nearly 30,000 surged into a venue designed to accommodate only 10,000 attendees. Authorities highlighted multiple violations of security protocols, including inadequate arrangements for food, water, and crowd management, which exacerbated the chaos during the prolonged wait for Vijay's arrival.
Vijay, originally scheduled to reach the venue at noon, arrived around 7 pm, accompanied by his campaign bus that triggered a fresh wave of crowd movement. Reports indicate supporters climbed trees, rooftops, and power lines, prompting officials to cut electricity supply to prevent electrocution. The situation deteriorated as people pushed forward, threw slippers to attract attention, and many fainted, leading to a police lathi charge for dispersal.
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In the aftermath, Vijay announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh to each deceased victim's family and Rs 2 lakh for the injured, while suspending his statewide tour. TVK's Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan was briefly arrested for alleged organisational lapses but was later released after the court declined to extend custody.
More than a month following the tragedy, Vijay met the bereaved families at a resort in Mamallapuram near Chennai, where he expressed deep remorse for the incident and his delayed visit to Karur. He conveyed personal guilt, stating that meeting the families allowed him to move forward, amid ongoing political scrutiny over the event's management.
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