CBI Summons Vijay Again in Karur Stampede Probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a third summons to actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, asking him to appear for questioning on March 10, 2026. The inquiry is linked to the tragic Karur stampede that occurred during a political rally organized by his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The incident, which took place on September 27, 2025, in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, resulted in the death of 41 people and left many others injured. The rally drew a massive crowd, and reports suggested that overcrowding at the venue led to the deadly chaos.
Background of the Karur stampede investigation
The large political gathering was part of TVK’s campaign activities as the party expanded its presence in Tamil Nadu politics. Thousands of supporters gathered to hear Vijay speak. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control when crowd movement became difficult and safety measures reportedly failed.
Due to the seriousness of the tragedy, the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation in October 2025. A monitoring panel was also established to ensure the probe remained transparent and impartial.
Thalapathy Vijay CBI summons: Previous Questioning by the CBI
First Interrogation—January 12, 2026
Vijay first appeared at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi in January 2026. The CBI probe Vijay nearly seven hours. Investigators asked about event permissions, crowd control arrangements, security planning, and his delayed arrival at the rally venue.
According to sources, Vijay explained that poor crowd management by local authorities played a major role in the disaster. He also stated that he left the venue early to prevent the situation from worsening.
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Second Round – January 19, 2026
The actor-politician was summoned again a week later for another six-hour interrogation. During this session, investigators examined possible organizational lapses and responsibilities related to managing the massive crowd.
Why the Third Summons Was Issued
Officials say the latest notice was issued after investigators collected additional evidence. The CBI reportedly needs further clarification from Vijay before moving forward with the case.
Sources suggest that the investigation is now entering a crucial stage and could soon lead to the filing of a charge sheet, although no official conclusions have been announced yet.
Political Impact and Public Reaction
The Karur stampede remains one of the deadliest crowd disasters linked to a political event in recent Tamil Nadu history. Shortly after the tragedy, Vijay announced financial compensation of ₹20 lakh for each victim’s family.
TVK leaders have consistently argued that administrative failures and inadequate police arrangements contributed to the disaster. The party has also submitted video evidence and other materials to support its claims during the investigation.
The third summons comes at a sensitive moment for Vijay, as his party is preparing for upcoming elections and conducting candidate selection processes.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI probe, monitored by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, continues to focus on identifying who is accountable for the planning and crowd management failures that led to the fatal stampede.
More details are expected to emerge after Vijay’s latest round of questioning, as investigators move closer to determining responsibility for the tragic Karur rally incident.