Actor-turned-politician Vijay heads to the national capital today for a fresh round of grilling by the CBI over the Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief’s appearance on January 19 follows a marathon six-hour session just days ago, signaling the agency’s determination to uncover the truth behind the September 27 disaster.
What began as an enthusiastic political campaign in Karur turned into one of Tamil Nadu’s darkest days. Thousands flocked to see Vijay, but delayed arrival and inadequate preparations led to a fatal crush. The tragedy spotlighted glaring deficiencies in crowd control and emergency response, prompting a high-level judicial oversight.
Retired Supreme Court Judge Ajay Rastogi leads the supervisory committee monitoring the CBI’s work. Investigators have zeroed in on organizational shortcomings, interviewing top TVK leaders like Bussy Anand, Adhav Arjun, Nirmal Kumar, and local secretary Mathiyazhagan. Questions revolve around who planned the event, security measures in place, and why the situation escalated so rapidly.
Vijay’s tardiness reportedly fueled the overcrowding, culminating in the heartbreaking loss of lives and injuries to dozens. Post-incident, the star stepped up with financial aid of Rs 20 lakh per family and emotional support through virtual meetings. Yet, the CBI remains focused on establishing responsibility amid public outrage.
This case highlights broader challenges in India’s bustling political landscape, where star power draws massive turnouts but tests logistical limits. With the probe intensifying, stakeholders await revelations that could lead to policy reforms and stricter guidelines for public rallies.