CBI sleuths inspecting the tragedy site at Velusamypuram in Karur 
Tamil Nadu

After TVK biggies, CBI may summon Vijay

After scanning tragedy site, questioning over 200 individuals and grilling organisers, central agency may inquire party leader to get ‘first hand’ info, inching close to completion of probe

DTNEXT Bureau

CHENNAI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to summon Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay for questioning in January in connection with the deadly stampede that occurred during his rally in Karur district this year, killing 42 participants at the newbie politician’s rally, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The incident took place on September 27 in Velusamypuram near Karur, where a massive crowd had gathered for a campaign meeting addressed by Vijay.

The probe into the tragedy is expected to reach the next stage with the expected summoning of actor-politician Vijay.

Investigators have already examined the site of the incident, collected documentary and digital evidence, and questioned over 200 individuals, including victims’ families, ambulance drivers, local police personnel, district officials, and organisers of the event.

As part of the ongoing probe, senior functionaries of TVK were summoned to New Delhi to appear before the CBI and were questioned for nearly nine hours. Sources said the questioning focused on permissions obtained for the rally, crowd management arrangements, security measures, and the chain of command within the party during the event. The probe agency is planning to summon TVK president Vijay as the investigation won’t be complete

The CBI already questioned TVK functionaries on permission, crowd management and security measures of the meeting without questioning the top-most leader.

The CBI is also examining whether standard safety protocols were violated and if adequate coordination existed between the organisers and the local administration.

Investigators are scrutinising communication records and official clearances related to the programme. According to sources, the agency is now considering summoning Vijay himself for questioning in January as part of the next phase of the investigation.

While no formal notice has yet been issued, officials indicated that his statement would be crucial in establishing accountability at the leadership level.

Investigators have already examined the site of the incident, collected documentary and digital evidence, and questioned over 200 individuals, including victims’ families, ambulance drivers, local police personnel, district officials, and organisers of the event.

As part of the ongoing probe, senior functionaries of TVK were summoned to New Delhi to appear before the CBI and were questioned for nearly nine hours.

Sources said the questioning focused on permissions obtained for the rally, crowd management arrangements, security measures, and the chain of command within the party during the event. The probe agency is planning to summon TVK president Vijay as the investigation won’t be complete

The CBI already questioned TVK functionaries on permission, crowd management and security measures of the meeting without questioning the top-most leader.

The CBI is also examining whether standard safety protocols were violated and if adequate coordination existed between the organisers and the local administration.

Investigators are scrutinising communication records and official clearances related to the programme. According to sources, the agency is now considering summoning Vijay himself for questioning in January as part of the next phase of the investigation.

While no formal notice has yet been issued, officials indicated that his statement would be crucial in establishing accountability at the leadership level.

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