CBI quizzes Velusamypuram traders in Karur stampede case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, which is probing the stampede that occurred during the Tamilga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally at Velusamypuram in Karur on September 27, on Sunday conducted inquiries with at least 10 traders who run their businesses at the site of the incident.

According to sources, the Central agency has issued summons to many people from Karur, asking them to be present before the officials at the Circuit House, where they have been camping since the third week of October. The summoned persons were said to have witnessed the stampede that claimed 41 lives.

At least 10 persons who received the summons appeared before the CBI team. Proprietors of grocery shops, eateries, and textile showrooms located in the vicinity of the spot, where TVK founder Vijay addressed the massive crowd at Velusamypuram, were among those who appeared before the CBI officials. After checking their identities, the Armed Reserve police personnel, who were posted at the Circuit House for security, allowed the traders to enter for the inquiry.

The CBI officials were said to have questioned them on the circumstances and causes that led to the stampede, security arrangements made at Velusamypuram, and the arrangements made by the TVK functionaries. Each of them was subjected to questioning, ranging between 30 minutes and two hours.

The CBI team, led by Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar, visited the site of the stampede at Velusamypuram on Friday. The team also visited the location on Saturday and conducted intensive investigations for about 15 hours.

According to sources, the CBI used a 3D laser scanner, a gadget used by crime detective agencies to meticulously document minute and intricate details, to examine the site and collect various inputs. The CBI officials were assisted by the Karur police in their task.