TVK president Vijay arrived in Delhi on Monday to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Karur rally stampede case, one of the deadliest political event-related tragedies in recent years. The questioning follows a Supreme Court directive issued in October 2025, mandating an independent probe into the incident that occurred during a political rally held on September 27, 2025.
The stampede resulted in the death of at least 41 people, most of them women and children, and left over 60 others injured. The tragedy sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over crowd safety, political event management, and administrative accountability.
Details of the Karur Rally Incident
According to investigation records, the stampede broke out due to severe crowd congestion and uncontrolled surges at the rally venue. Reports have cited alleged lapses in crowd control measures, insufficient barricading, and poor emergency response mechanisms. A significant delay in the arrival of the event’s chief speaker further compounded the situation, leaving attendees stranded for several hours.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings pointed to inadequate coordination between event organisers and local authorities, raising serious concerns over preparedness for large public gatherings.
CBI Inquiry and Legal Developments
In October 2025, the Supreme Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, citing the need for an impartial and comprehensive probe. The apex court emphasised that accountability must be established at all levels, including organisers, law enforcement agencies, and administrative authorities responsible for granting permissions and ensuring safety.
The CBI is expected to examine event planning records, communication logs, security deployment details, and the sequence of decisions taken on the day of the rally.
TVK’s Position and Cooperation with the Probe
The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam has stated that Vijay will fully cooperate with the investigation and has welcomed a transparent inquiry. The party has, however, alleged serious lapses by the state administration and police machinery, arguing that crowd control failures played a decisive role in the tragedy.
Party leaders have maintained that establishing the truth is essential not only for justice to the victims but also to prevent such incidents in the future.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The case has drawn widespread public attention, with supporters closely tracking Vijay’s movements and developments in the investigation. The incident has also intensified discussions around political accountability, safety norms for mass gatherings, and the role of state authorities in managing high-footfall events.
As the investigation progresses, the findings are expected to have far-reaching implications for political event regulations and public safety standards across the country.