CBI questions Vijay at Delhi headquarters in TVK Karur stampede incident; decision on chargesheet to be taken

One of the key issues that will be a part of the questioning is the alleged seven-hour delay at the venue. Investigators are investigating the discrepancy between the programme's scheduled start time and Vijay's actual arrival. They want to find out whether the delay contributed to the crowd increasing and loss of control.

The agency also questioned if the party workers on the ground coordinated adequately with the local police and district administration, since the crowd reportedly grew from an estimated 10,000 people to around 30,000. Delays in Vijay's movement and his party workers' movement are also being examined to evaluate their impact on crowd dynamics.

Investigators are also scrutinising documents related to permissions sought for the event. They are seeking clarity on who organised the Karur rally. Within the TVK party, the CBI is examining the organisational structure to understand the responsibility for planning and execution. This includes who decided to hold the event in Karur and when Vijay was informed.

Another point of scrutiny is whether Vijay's team conducted any prior risk assessment in coordination with the district administration, and if the basic arrangements, such as drinking water facilities and designated entry and exit points, were provided for the crowd.

The CBI is also investigating the movement of Vijay's modified caravan through the gathering to examine how it passed through the dense crowd and if there was adequate coordination with local police.

The agency is further interrogating when Vijay became aware of the stampede and the sequence of events that followed. The CBI will also question Vijay about the exact time of his arrival and departure from the venue.

Earlier on Monday, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay arrived in Delhi for questioning. The CBI had earlier issued a notice to Vijay under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), asking him to present himself for examination. The notice was served earlier this month, with summons dated January 6. 

According to TVK sources, Vijay flew from Chennai to New Delhi on a chartered flight and is expected to visit the CBI headquarters later on Monday to cooperate with the investigation.

Investigation transferred to CBI

The Supreme Court had earlier transferred the investigation into the incident to the CBI. As part of the probe, the agency has already questioned several senior TVK functionaries in New Delhi. Party leaders have submitted video footage to investigators, alleging lapses by the Tamil Nadu government.

The CBI has also examined the campaign vehicle used by Vijay during the event, and the driver has been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. The Karur stampede occurred during a massive political gathering, resulting in the deaths of 41 people and leaving several others injured. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and prompted judicial and legal scrutiny.

Earlier in December, the Tamil Nadu government had also filed its response (counter-affidavit) in the Supreme Court seeking directions to set aside its decision to order a CBI probe into the Karur stampede case.

In its response, the TVK had claimed that the Tamil Nadu government's plea (counter-affidavit) lacks material facts and provides no valid reason to remove the jurisdiction of the CBI and the supervisory committee, constituted by the top court.

TVK asserts that several statements in the State government's counter-affidavit are false and misleading. TVK added that such claims would hinder the ongoing investigation and its supervision. 

(With inputs from ANI)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!