Karur stampede case: CBI summons Vijay again on January 19; TVK says BJP remains ideological foe

CHENNAI: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a notice to TVK president Vijay asking him to appear again for an inquiry in the Karur stampede case on January 19.

Vijay who appeared before the agency at its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, returned to Chennai on Tuesday. CBI has sought his presence for another round of questioning, but Vijay requested an exemption, citing Pongal festival, which the agency accepted.




TVK joint general secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar, who had accompanied Vijay to Delhi, told reporters in Chennai that the party sought a different date as several Pongal-related programmes and political meetings, as well as discussions linked to the release of Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’, have been scheduled for the week.

Responding to questions on whether the CBI inquiry was being conducted under BJP’s direction and if TVK’s political position shifted due to the pressure, he said TVK has not changed its stand on alliance. “We have made it clear that there is no change in our position. That stance remains unchanged. Please treat that as final.” TVK had called BJP an ideological enemy.

Nirmal Kumar said the people of Tamil Nadu, members of the film fraternity, and audience across India wanted ‘Jana Nayagan’ to be released. “Let the courts give their verdict. After that, we will answer all questions,” he said.

Earlier in the press meet, he outlined the submissions made by TVK to CBI, alleging that lapses on the part of the state govt and the police resulted in the stampede.

Nirmal Kumar said they have conveyed the contradictions in the govt’s statements. While chief minister M K Stalin told the assembly that 607 police personnel were deployed at the venue, DGP (Armed Police) Davidson Devasirvatham cited a figure of 500, he said.