Stampede Not Linked to TVK, Vijay Tells CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has finished its first round of questioning regarding the Karur stampede case with the president of Tamil Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and actor Vijay. The questioning went on for more than six hours. After the Pongal festival, the officials are supposed to continue the inquiry.

Vijay Denies Party Involvement

• In the course of the interrogation, Vijay claimed that the TVK had nothing to do with the stampede incident. He said to the CBI that he had left the place to keep the situation from getting worse. At the same time, the party workers who were interrogated by the agency reportedly made similar statements.
• The CBI reportedly informed the officials that he would require a break because of Pongal. Thus, the CBI will resume the questioning after the festival.

Background of the Karur Stampede Case

• The stampede took place last year, on September 27, during a public meeting Vijay had organized in Karur. 41 people died in the incident. The CBI was assigned the case after the Supreme Court's instructions.
• As part of the investigation, CBI officers visited the incident site and collected pertinent information. Subsequently, the agency summoned Vijay for questioning.

Conflicting Claims Over Responsibility

• The police of Tamil Nadu had previously reported that the late arrival of Vijay was the reason for the stampede. However, Vijay dismissed this allegation and claimed that the accusations were politically motivated. He referred to them as a conspiracy by the DMK.
• After Vijay's visit to the CBI office, many of his fans showed up outside, carrying pictures of the actor.