Karur stampede probe: 'Jana Nayagan' Vijay faces second six-hour CBI grilling

CBI sleuths reportedly focused on Vijay's role in the Karur rally's decision-making and crowd management

Actor Vijay at CBI TVK chief and actor Vijay leaves from CBI headquarters after the second round of questioning in connection with the Karur stampede case, in New Delhi | PTI

Actor-politician Vijay was questioned again for six hours over the Karur stampede on Monday. The actor, who reached Delhi on Sunday arrived at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation at 10.20am for questioning.

According to sources in the know of developments, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader arrived at the CBI headquarters on Lodhi Road at around 10.20am, and left at about 5pm. Vijay was reportedly questioned by a deputy superintendent rank officer from the central agency's anti-corruption wing. 

The actor-politician was reportedly asked questions related to decision-making for the rally, reasons for his delayed arrival at the campaign venue, continuation of his speech, his knowledge about the ongoing chaos, crowd turnout, and mismanagement of the crowd.

As many as 41 people died in the tragic stampede during actor-politician Vijay's rally at Karur in September last year. Over 50 people, including women and children, suffered injuries in the incident. Though a Special Investigation Team of Tamil Nadu police initially probed the case, the CBI took over the investigation following directions from the Supreme Court. 

The apex court also appointed a committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to monitor the probe.

However, TVK  leader C.T. Nirmal Kumar, who was also present outside the CBI office, dismissed rumours about the probe and said they are fully cooperating with the investigation. "Many rumours are being spread around that are not true. We all know what happened in Karur. MPs from Delhi had gone to Karur; even the Tamil Nadu BJP president has said what exactly happened in Karur."

This is the second time Vijay is appearing before the central agency in connection with the probe into the tragic stampede. The actor first appeared on January 12, and he was questioned for six hours. The actor-politician was reportedly given a 90-questionnaire booklet by CBI officials on the day.

Though the actor was summoned again for probe the next day, he sought another date due to Pongal. CBI officials told PTI that the call on attributing the role of individuals in the charge-sheet will be taken only after a thorough analysis of the statements of the actor, senior political officials of his party, and police and district administration officials involved in the process of giving clearance and managing the rally.