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'Jana Nayagan' Vijay grilled by CBI for 7 hours over Karur stampede; CBI summons TVK leader again tomorrow

The CBI reportedly questioned Vijay on the sequence of events, his delayed arrival, and his reasons for leaving the venue shortly after the tragedy

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has left the office of the Central Bureau of Investigation in Delhi, after about seven hours of interrogation over the tragic Karur stampede. Reportedly, the central agency has summoned the actor again for further probe on Tuesday. 

The actor-politician, who reached Delhi on Monday, was summoned by the agency for questioning and recording his statement on the stampede during his campaign in Karur in September. As many as 41 people died in the tragic incident. On Monday, Vijay was seen leaving the premises of  CBI along with party functionaries Aadhav Arjuna and C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar.

During the interrogation, the CBI reportedly asked Vijay to narrate the sequence of incidents as known to him and his perspective on what could have led to the stampede. The actor-politician was reportedly also asked about whether he expected such a huge turnout for the rally, and he was aware of the situation before he reached the venue.

According to reports, the TVK leader was also asked why he continued his speech despite noticing onlookers fainting during his speech. He was also questioned about his close to seven-hour delay in reaching the venue. The Central agency asked Vijay why he left Karur soon after the tragedy, reports said.

Vijay reportedly told the investigators that he left Karur soon after the incident since he feared his presence could lead to chaos and further aggravate the situation. The CBI sleuths will now corroborate Vijay's statement with those of other TVK functionaries who appeared before the agency earlier. 

As many as 41 people died, and over 50 suffered injuries, during actor Vijay's rally in Karur on September 27 last year. Vijay left Karur for Chennai in a chartered flight soon after his campaign. The actor later met the family members of the deceased at a private hotel in Chennai.

The questioning comes amidst a row over the release of his latest film, Jana Nayagan.  The film's producers, KVN Productions, approached the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court's order withholding certification for the much-anticipated film, said to be the last screen appearance of the actor.