‘TVK not responsible’: Key points from Vijay’s 6-hour CBI questioning in Karur stampede probe

TVK chief Vijay (File image)

TVK chief and actor Vijay spent close to six hours at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on Monday, answering questions linked to the deadly Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. Officials said the questioning began after he completed formalities and continued through the day, with investigators focusing on the political rally where the tragedy unfolded.

Vijay arrived at the heavily barricaded CBI office at 11.29 am in a black Range Rover and left around 6.15 pm. The agency indicated that the questioning is not over and that he will be called again, as certain aspects require further clarification.

According to officials quoted by news agency PTI, the CBI had initially asked Vijay to appear again on Tuesday. The actor-politician, however, sought more time, citing the Pongal festival. The agency agreed to his request and is expected to issue a fresh date after the festival.

“Questioning of Vijay not yet over. He sought the adjournment of questioning, citing Pongal festival, so he will not be summoned tomorrow. He will likely be summoned post-Pongal festival,” sources said.

Vijay asked to narrate sequence of events

During the questioning, investigators reportedly asked Vijay to narrate the sequence of events as he understood them on September 27, 2025. The probe touched upon his delayed arrival at the venue, the swelling crowd, and his decision to leave when the situation worsened.

Authorities questioned whether he was aware of the congestion at the venue, the expected footfall, and whether announcements -- including one about a missing child -- were made while he was on stage. He was also asked if he knew about the commotion outside and whether he was aware that police had resorted to a lathi charge to control the crowd.

The actor-politician was not confronted with any other witness during Monday’s questioning, reports said, citing sources.

'TVK not responsible'

According to reports, sources familiar with the questioning said Vijay maintained that his party was not responsible for the tragedy. “TVK is not responsible. He (Vijay) left the venue (Karur) to avoid further tragedy,” party sources quoted him as saying after he emerged from the CBI office.

He also denied allegations that his delayed arrival triggered the chaos. Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Police had blamed an “inordinate delay” in his arrival for the surge in the crowd, citing lack of food, drinking water and toilet facilities as factors that aggravated the situation. Vijay has rejected these claims, calling them a “conspiracy” by the ruling DMK, a charge the party has denied.

Security, fans and accompanying leaders

Anticipating a large turnout of supporters, multiple units of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed around the CBI headquarters. Despite the security cover, a small group of fans managed to gather near the premises.

“We are around 40 fans who have come here to get a glimpse of the actor. We are all based in Delhi,” said Aiyanar, one of the fans present outside.

Vijay had flown to Delhi from Chennai on a chartered flight, accompanied by senior TVK leaders including Aadhav Arjuna and Nirmal Kumar, party sources said.

Others questioned and summoned

The CBI also questioned former Tamil Nadu ADG (law and order) S Davidson Devasirvatham on Monday. Several TVK office bearers have already been examined, and more party functionaries have been summoned as part of the probe.

Investigators indicated that Vijay’s statements will be cross-verified with police accounts and other evidence gathered so far.

How the case reached the CBI

The probing agency took over the investigation from a Special Investigation Team following an order of the Supreme Court of India. In October last year, the apex court asked the CBI director to appoint a senior officer to lead the probe and set up a three-member supervisory committee headed by former judge Ajay Rastogi to monitor the investigation.

A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria had observed that the stampede had “left an imprint in the minds of citizens throughout the country” and stressed that enforcing the fundamental rights of the affected families was of utmost importance. Noting political undertones, the court cautioned against public comments by top police officers that could cast doubt on the fairness of the investigation, adding, “The faith and trust of the general public in the process of investigation must be restored.”

Vijay expected to be summoned again

With Monday’s questioning concluded but not complete, the CBI is expected to summon Vijay again after Pongal, as per reports. Officials said the probe will continue to examine responsibility, crowd management, and decision-making on the day of the rally, as the agency seeks to piece together how one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rally disasters unfolded.