By Khabar Rojana 
Actor-politician Vijay has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to appear in New Delhi on January 12. The summons relates to the Karur stampede in September, where 41 people lost their lives during one of his rallies.
The timing is sensitive. Vijay’s highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan, has been postponed due to ongoing legal and certification issues.
After the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government initially took a cautious approach. Vijay was not named in the FIR. His senior party members were not arrested, and no overt political action was taken. Sources from his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), said informal assurances were given that the state police would not trouble him.
Vijay had requested a CBI investigation, hoping for neutrality. The Supreme Court later transferred the case to the central agency, stating that a state police probe could undermine public confidence. Since then, the CBI has questioned over 200 people, including victims’ families, officials, police officers, and TVK organisers. Vijay was the only major figure yet to be questioned — until now.
Party insiders say the strategy may have backfired. Advisors worried about political pressure from the state government encouraged Vijay to seek a CBI probe. Instead, it placed him under central scrutiny.
The CBI will question Vijay on rally permissions, crowd control, safety protocols, coordination with authorities, and decision-making within TVK. Investigators are also reviewing digital communications related to emergency response.
Meanwhile, Jana Nayagan, originally slated for release this month, remains pending certification. Producers cited unavoidable circumstances as legal proceedings continue in the Madras High Court.
Observers say the summons and film delay could affect Vijay’s political momentum ahead of upcoming elections. Many wonder if he underestimated the consequences of seeking a central investigation.
Shalu Shalu