Strict Safety Measures Implemented for Actor Vijay's TVK Rally in Puducherry Following Karur Tragedy

This will be TVK's first rally after the Karur stampede tragedy on September 27.

The Puducherry Police have implemented strict conditions for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay's upcoming political rally in the Union Territory on Tuesday. This event marks the party's first public gathering following the tragic Karur stampede on September 27 that claimed 41 lives.

A senior police officer informed NDTV, "A maximum of 5,000 participants will be allowed, based on passes to be issued by TVK. A detailed set of guidelines will be issued shortly through an official press release."

Police sources revealed that the approved venue will feature carefully demarcated enclosures, each designed to hold 500 people, ensuring improved crowd management and controlled entry. Organizers have been instructed to provide adequate drinking water and toilet facilities at the location. For safety reasons, pregnant women, children, and elderly individuals will not be permitted to attend.

TVK initially requested permission for a roadshow, but authorities denied this request, citing Puducherry's congested areas and narrow streets that cannot safely accommodate the large crowds Vijay typically attracts. Officials also expressed concerns about potential influx of supporters from neighboring Tamil Nadu.

The actor-turned-politician enjoys an immense cult following across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala. His party considers Puducherry strategically significant for establishing their political presence.

This renewed permission process comes in the wake of the Karur tragedy from earlier this year. Following that incident, the Tamil Nadu government developed new guidelines for political rallies to prevent similar occurrences, and the Supreme Court ordered a court-monitored CBI investigation into the disaster.

Tamil Nadu Police previously attributed the Karur stampede to TVK, claiming that Vijay's late arrival triggered crowd movements, worsened by dehydration and exhaustion due to insufficient food and water provisions. TVK dismissed these allegations, describing them as a conspiracy by the ruling DMK party and blamed police for failing to manage crowds along the route. The DMK has refuted these accusations.