Karur stampede probe: CBI interrogates Vijay’s campaign driver

Karur: The driver of the campaign vehicle used by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor-turned-politician Vijay appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning on Saturday, as the federal probe into the deadly Karur stampede intensifies.

The driver was interrogated regarding the specific movements of the customised campaign van during the Sept. 27, 2025, political rally in Veluswamypuram. The event, which served as Vijay's first major campaign appearance, turned tragic when a massive crowd surge resulted in the deaths of 41 people, including women and children.

Investigators are scrutinising a timeline of the vehicle’s route and alleged delays that may have contributed to the overcrowding. Video evidence previously emerged showing a collision between a motorcycle and the campaign bus shortly before the rally, leading to separate charges of rash driving against the driver.

The CBI, which took over the case following a Supreme Court order, is currently investigating security lapses and crowd management failures. The agency has already recorded statements from several senior TVK functionaries and government officials.

The driver's testimony is considered vital for reconstructing the events leading up to the "vacuum effect" that reportedly triggered the stampede. The CBI has also formally summoned Vijay to appear for questioning at its headquarters in Delhi on Jan. 12.

With inputs from IANS