Vijay Seeks 15 Days to Appear Before CBI in Karur Rally Stampede Case Probe

Chennai: Vijay, president of Tamil Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), has requested 15 days’ time from the CBI to appear for questioning in connection with the Karur rally tragedy. The agency had asked him to appear for questioning in New Delhi, but Vijay has sought permission to record his statement in Chennai. This is the third time the CBI has summoned him in relation to the case, and the actor has informed the agency that he is unable to attend immediately due to election-related commitments.

The questioning relates to the stampede that occurred during a TVK rally in Karur on September 27, in which 41 people, including women and children, lost their lives. Vijay reportedly arrived at the venue nearly seven hours late. Investigators are seeking clarification on several issues, including why he continued his speech despite people fainting in the crowd and why he returned to Chennai without responding publicly after the incident. The CBI had already questioned him twice in January as part of the ongoing probe.

With elections approaching in Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s entry into politics through TVK has intensified competition among major parties such as the DMK and the BJP. The CBI’s move comes amid reports that the BJP has been urging Vijay to join NDA.

Meanwhile, Vijay is also facing issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the release of his film Jananayakan. Although the CBFC’s revising committee had earlier announced a fresh screening of the film on March 9, the screening was later cancelled. Criticising the Centre’s approach, Vijay alleged that the actions being taken against him, including the delay in the film’s release, are part of a political vendetta.