Chennai, 31 October (H.S.) : A team of senior officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) returned to Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Friday to intensify their ongoing investigation into the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives.

The stampede occurred on October 27 at Velusamipuram during a public interaction event led by Tamil Nadu Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay, the actor-turned-politician.

The six-member senior CBI team arrived in two vehicles, marking the beginning of the second phase of the high-profile probe. The initial two-day inquiry was conducted shortly after the incident, ending on October 19 ahead of the Deepavali festival.

Since then, an inspector and a head constable have remained stationed at the Public Works Department (PWD) Guest House in Karur, focusing on the crucial work of translation and documentation related to the case.

Sources indicate that with the return of the senior team, the investigation is set to accelerate in the coming days.

In a related update, the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), following a fact-finding mission, issued a report suggesting that the primary cause of the stampede was Vijay's delay in arriving at the rally site.

The AIDWA report recommends that the ex-gratia compensation for the affected families should be collected from the TVK itself.

This report is scheduled to be submitted to the CBI for consideration as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay has called a Special General Council Meeting on November 5 to discuss the party’s future activities in the wake of the devastating incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary