The CBI is set to interrogate TVK president Vijay over the deadly Karur stampede, marking a dramatic escalation in the investigation of one of Tamil Nadu’s most shocking public safety failures. What began as a high-energy political rally spiraled into horror, leaving a trail of grief and prompting federal intervention.
Details emerging from the probe reveal lapses in venue capacity assessment, inadequate barricading, and delayed response from security forces. The rally, billed as a launchpad for Vijay’s political ambitions, drew an overwhelming crowd that authorities failed to anticipate or control effectively.
Vijay, celebrated for his cinematic charisma and now a political disruptor, has defended the event while expressing condolences. Yet, with mounting evidence of organizational shortcomings linked to his party, the CBI sees no room for leniency. Investigators are particularly interested in communication records, funding trails, and decisions made by TVK leadership in the lead-up to the rally.
This summons comes against a backdrop of public fury and opposition criticism, with rivals accusing Vijay of prioritizing spectacle over safety. TVK cadres, meanwhile, decry the move as an attempt to derail their anti-establishment momentum ahead of state elections.
As Vijay prepares to face the CBI, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils in India’s frenzied political arena. Enhanced regulations on crowd control at political events may soon follow, potentially reshaping how parties like TVK conduct their campaigns. The outcome of this questioning could define Vijay’s political trajectory for years to come.