Karur tragedy: CBI issues notice to Vijay, asks him to appear for questioning

CHENNAI: The CBI has served a notice to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay, asking him to appear for questioning in connection with the Karur tragedy in Tamil Nadu. He has been directed to appear before the CBI on January 11 at its headquarters in Delhi.

A total of 41 people died in a stampede during a rally led by TVK. The party had earlier said it would fully cooperate with the CBI probe ordered under the supervision of the Supreme Court. TVK has alleged that lapses by the state government and the police led to the tragedy. The party has also submitted video evidence to support its claims.

In the past week, the CBI questioned several senior TVK leaders at its Delhi office. Statements were reportedly recorded from General Secretary N. Anand, Election Management General Secretary Aadhav Arjun, Deputy General Secretary (IT and Social Media) C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, and Karur West District Secretary V.P. Mathiyazhagan.

The CBI has also questioned officials, including Karur District Collector M. Thangavel, Karur City SP Manivannan, and ASP Premanandan. Meanwhile, questions have been raised over whether there is a political motive behind summoning leaders to Delhi, even though the CBI has an office in Tamil Nadu.