What Led to the Tragic Stampede at Vijay's Rally? CBI Questions DMK MLA V Senthil Balaji

V Senthil Balaji, a DMK MLA, is under investigation by the CBI concerning a tragic stampede that occurred during a political rally led by actor Vijay in Tamil Nadu. The incident, which took place in September 2025, resulted in the deaths of 41 people and left over 60 injured. Following a Supreme Court directive, the CBI has taken over the case to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation. The court emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the justice system and protecting the rights of the victims' families. This investigation highlights the significant implications of the incident on public safety and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 11:49 IST

CBI Interrogates DMK MLA Regarding Rally Stampede

New Delhi: On Tuesday, V Senthil Balaji, the DMK legislator representing Karur, was summoned by the CBI for questioning related to a tragic stampede that occurred during a political event hosted by TVK leader Vijay in Tamil Nadu last year, according to officials.

The investigation was transferred to the CBI from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following directives from the Supreme Court.

The rally led by actor Vijay in Karur on September 27, 2025, resulted in a devastating stampede that took the lives of 41 individuals and injured over 60 others.

In October of the previous year, the Supreme Court instructed the CBI director to designate a senior officer to oversee the investigation and established a supervisory committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to oversee the proceedings.

A bench of the Supreme Court, including Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria, remarked that the stampede had a lasting impact on the public consciousness across the nation.

The court emphasized the significant implications for the lives of citizens and highlighted the necessity of safeguarding the fundamental rights of the families affected by the tragedy.

It was noted that restoring public confidence in the investigative process is crucial for the integrity of the criminal justice system, and ensuring an impartial, independent, and unbiased investigation is essential to achieve this goal.