Did TVK Leaders Face CBI Over Karur Stampede?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 41 lives lost in the tragic Karur stampede.
- CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Senior TVK officials have been summoned for questioning.
- Supreme Court monitoring emphasizes the case's importance.
- Political implications are expected ahead of the 2026 elections.
Chennai, Nov 24 (NationPress) In a significant development, top officials from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) appeared at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Karur on Monday, amid an ongoing probe into the tragic stampede on September 27 that resulted in 41 fatalities. Party general secretary N. ‘Bussy’ Anand and general secretary for election campaign management Aadhav Arjuna attended the CBI's camp office following summons from investigators. They were joined by TVK Karur West district secretary K.P. Mathiyazhagan and senior member M.C. Pounraj.
The CBI recorded their testimonies as part of its inquiry into the devastating incident that occurred during a large rally addressed by TVK founder and actor Vijay in Karur.
This rally attracted tens of thousands of supporters and tragically culminated in a stampede near the exit points, leading to 41 deaths and numerous injuries. A committee appointed by the Supreme Court is overseeing the investigation, highlighting the case's serious nature.
Officials indicate that investigators are scrutinizing the event's organizational readiness, crowd control measures, permissions from authorities, and the chain of events that culminated in the deadly crush.
The CBI is also reviewing video evidence, security measures, and communications between district organizers and the party’s central leadership. The agency has been calling functionaries in groups to assemble a clearer understanding of the circumstances that led to the chaos.
The presence of senior TVK officials is considered a pivotal moment in comprehending the decision-making processes at the highest levels of the party's campaign framework.
Previously, on November 3, a CBI team visited the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Joint general secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar informed reporters that officials requested comprehensive records related to the Karur rally, encompassing communication logs, event planning documents, and internal reports generated post-tragedy.
This layered investigation is expected to proceed in the following weeks, with additional party officials and government representatives anticipated to be questioned.
The CBI has assured that the inquiry will be exhaustive, unbiased, and in line with the directives from the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring panel.
As political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the outcomes of the Karur stampede investigation are likely to bear significant implications for the rapidly growing TVK and its leadership.