TVK Chief Vijay Grilled by CBI Over Karur Stampede Amid Political Shifts and Film Delays

TVK Chief Vijay Grilled by CBI Over Karur Stampede Amid Political Shifts and Film Delays

Despite previously ruling out alliances with major players like the DMK and BJP, TVK is now reportedly open to partnering with any political party for the 2026 elections.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | January 12, 2026

NEW DELHI – Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for over six hours on Monday regarding the deadly Karur stampede case. The questioning, conducted at the heavily barricaded CBI headquarters in Delhi, comes at a critical juncture for Vijay as he navigates a high-stakes entry into full-time politics ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

CBI Probe and the Karur Tragedy

Vijay arrived in the capital via chartered flight to comply with a summons related to the September 27, 2025, stampede in Karur, which resulted in 41 deaths and over 60 injuries. The tragedy occurred during a TVK campaign rally where a crowd of approximately 50,000 gathered—drastically exceeding the 10,000-person limit permitted by authorities.

During the interrogation by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption unit, Vijay maintained that neither his party nor its functionaries were responsible for the incident. Sources indicate Vijay told investigators he departed the venue early specifically to prevent further chaos and ruckus that his presence might have caused. This statement stands in contrast to claims by police officials, who previously suggested that a considerable delay on the actor’s part contributed to the crowd going out of control.

The CBI took over the investigation from a Special Investigation Team following a Supreme Court order, which cited concerns over political overtones in the initial probe.

Shift in Political Strategy

While facing legal scrutiny, Vijay’s party has signaled a major shift in its electoral approach. Despite previously ruling out alliances with major players like the DMK and BJP, TVK is now reportedly open to partnering with any political party for the 2026 elections. This openness comes with a non-negotiable condition: Vijay must be projected as the chief ministerial candidate.

Reports suggest that the actor believes he is being targeted by the BJP through this federal investigation due to his vocal opposition to the party’s “divisive ideology”.

Cinematic Hurdles and Allegations of Interference

Adding to Vijay’s challenges, his final cinematic project, the political thriller Jana Nayagan, has seen its global release postponed. Originally scheduled for January 9, 2026, the film’s certification was abruptly halted when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred it to a Revising Committee following an anonymous complaint regarding its depiction of religious sentiments and the armed forces.

Supporters and party sources have alleged that the delay is politically motivated, linking it to Vijay’s ongoing friction with the central government. Despite these hurdles, Vijay has continued to support the victims of the stampede, previously announcing compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.