Karur Stampede Case: CBI Summons Vijay Ahead of Jana Nayagan Release

The CBI has summoned TVK leader Vijay, who is gearing up for the release of his movie Jana Nayagan, in connection with the deadly stampede during his rally in Karur in September 2025.

He has been asked to appear before the central agency on January 12 at their Delhi Office.

The CBI took over the case following a landmark directive from the Supreme Court of India, which intervened to ensure a "fair and independent" inquiry. The tragedy, which occurred on September 27, last year, during a massive TVK rally in Karur, claimed 41 lives and left dozens injured.

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria noted that the incident had "shaken the national conscience." The court highlighted that comments made by state police officials to the media-often defending their own actions-could create reasonable doubt regarding the impartiality of a state-led probe.

"The faith and trust of the general public in the criminal justice system must be restored," the bench stated, emphasizing that a fair investigation is a fundamental right for the families who lost their loved ones.

To maintain strict oversight, the apex court appointed a three-member supervisory committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. This committee is tasked with monitoring the CBI's progress to prevent any political interference or bias.

The TVK has maintained that the stampede was the result of systemic "lapses" by the Tamil Nadu government and the state police. Rcently, the party submitted a a video evidence to the CBI, which they claim documents security failures and a lack of adequate crowd control measures by the authorities. While state officials previously alleged that a four-hour delay in Vijay's arrival led to the buildup of the restless crowd, the TVK argues that the government failed to provide the infrastructure necessary for a gathering of such magnitude.

The summons adds to a mounting storm for Vijay as his political drama, Jana Nayagan, faces a race against time. Despite its scheduled release on January 9, the film has yet to receive a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The makers have moved the Madras High Court, alleging that the delay is a deliberate attempt to stifle the film's release. With advance bookings frozen in Tamil Nadu and theater owners growing anxious, the court will hear an urgent petition today to expedite the certification process.