CBI Questions Actor Vijay in Karur Stampede Case
CBI questions actor Vijay for six hours regarding the Karur stampede case; further summons expected.
Photo by Logan Voss
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay for six hours in connection with the probe into the Karur stampede. The CBI may summon him again after the Pongal festival. The agency also questioned Tamil Nadu’s former Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) S.
Davidson Devasirvatham. The CBI re-registered the case on the orders of the Supreme Court on October 13, following the incident that claimed 41 lives during a rally organized by the TVK. The court also constituted a three-member monitoring committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi, to supervise the CBI investigation.
Key Facts
Case: Karur stampede
Agency: CBI
Questioned: Actor Vijay
Deaths: 41
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Role of CBI, judicial pronouncements
GS Paper III: Security - Prevention of crime and corruption
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, critical evaluation
Visual Insights
Location of Karur Stampede
Map showing the location of Karur in Tamil Nadu, where the stampede occurred during a rally organized by TVK.
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More Information
Background
The CBI, established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment, was initially tasked with investigating bribery and corruption during World War II. It was later renamed the Central Bureau of Investigation in 1963, expanding its mandate to include violations of central laws, multi-state crimes, and cases of national importance. The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, provides the legal framework for the CBI's functioning.
Over time, the CBI has faced scrutiny regarding its autonomy and effectiveness, leading to calls for reforms to ensure its independence from political interference. Landmark cases investigated by the CBI have shaped public perception and legal precedents, highlighting the agency's crucial role in upholding the rule of law.
Latest Developments
Recent developments concerning the CBI include ongoing debates about its functional autonomy and the need for greater transparency in its operations. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the importance of insulating the CBI from external influences to maintain its credibility. Amendments to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act have been proposed to enhance the CBI's independence and accountability.
The future outlook involves strengthening the CBI's investigative capabilities through technological upgrades and specialized training programs. Furthermore, there is growing emphasis on inter-agency cooperation to tackle complex financial crimes and transnational offenses effectively. The government's roadmap includes measures to streamline the CBI's procedures and ensure timely completion of investigations.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): 1. The CBI is a statutory body established under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 2. The CBI can suo moto take up cases related to corruption in state governments without the consent of the concerned state. 3. The Director of CBI is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect as CBI is not a statutory body but derives power from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Statement 2 is incorrect as CBI needs the consent of the state government to investigate cases in that state unless directed by the Supreme Court or High Court. Statement 3 is correct as the Director is appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee.
2. In the context of the Karur stampede case, which of the following statements accurately reflects the Supreme Court's role? A) The Supreme Court directly investigated the case, bypassing the CBI. B) The Supreme Court ordered the CBI to re-register the case and constituted a monitoring committee. C) The Supreme Court dismissed the case, citing lack of evidence. D) The Supreme Court transferred the case to a lower court for expedited trial.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Supreme Court ordered the CBI to re-register the case and constituted a three-member monitoring committee, chaired by a former Supreme Court judge, to supervise the CBI investigation.
3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946? A) It provides the legal framework for the functioning of the CBI. B) It allows the CBI to investigate offenses in Union Territories without state consent. C) It mandates that the CBI report directly to the Parliament. D) It empowers the central government to extend the CBI's powers to other areas.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act does not mandate the CBI to report directly to the Parliament. The CBI reports to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which is under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.