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

This will be TVK's first rally since the Karur stampede on September 27 that killed 41 people.

Chennai:

The Puducherry Police have implemented strict conditions for actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) political rally scheduled for Tuesday at the Expo Ground (New Port) in Uppalam. These restrictions include limiting attendance to local residents and capping the number of participants.

This event marks TVK's first rally since the tragic Karur stampede incident on September 27, which resulted in 41 fatalities.

Police have issued comprehensive guidelines and formal permission orders with stringent safety and crowd-control measures. A critical stipulation specifies that only Puducherry residents may attend, with individuals from neighboring Tamil Nadu districts being prohibited from entry.

Officials have strongly advised people from adjacent districts not to travel to the venue, as they will be denied entry under all circumstances. The police noted this restriction aligns with TVK's own request.

Additional requirements include concluding the meeting before 12:30 pm and limiting attendance to 5,000 people. Entry will be granted exclusively through QR-coded passes distributed by TVK. The police have emphasized that those without valid passes will be turned away to prevent overcrowding and inconvenience.

Event organizers must design the venue layout to segregate the audience into enclosures, each holding a maximum of 500 people, to ensure effective crowd management.

Further safety restrictions prohibit vulnerable groups – including children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals – from attending. Police stated these limitations are preventive measures to avoid repeating the Karur tragedy, where crowd surge, dehydration, and insufficient exit routes led to one of Tamil Nadu's worst political event disasters. The incident is currently under investigation through a court-monitored CBI probe following a Supreme Court directive.

Puducherry Police have also outlined mandatory logistical arrangements, including drinking water facilities, toilets, ambulances, medical teams, fire engines, emergency exits, and clearly demarcated venue enclosures. Parking has been limited to three designated areas – Pondy Marina, Stadium Backside, and Old Port Area – with roadside parking prohibited.

Vijay, who commands an immense and devoted fan following, had initially requested permission for a roadshow. Police denied this request, citing narrow roads unsuitable for accommodating the large crowds he typically attracts. TVK has been working to expand its political presence in Puducherry, which represents a symbolic and strategic region for the party.