The Central Bureau of Investigation has reportedly summoned actor-politician Vijay for a second round of questioning on the Karur stampede on January 19. The central agency questioned the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader on Monday over the tragedy.
According to reports, the CBI issued a summons to the actor-politician on Tuesday. Though originally the CBI had scheduled a second round of questioning for the day, the TVK leader sought another day to appear before the agency, citing Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu.
The CBI, which is probing the tragedy that claimed 41 lives following a Supreme Court order, interrogated the actor-politician on Monday. Vijay, who reached Delhi on a special flight from Chennai, reached the CBI headquarters in Delhi around noon on Monday. The central agency questioned him for six hours.
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.
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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.
The development comes amid a legal battle over the release of his latest film, 'Jana Nayagan', in the Supreme Court. The apex court is likely to hear a plea moved by KVN Productions, producers of 'Jana Nayagan', against the CBFC over the delay in clearing its certification.