Puducherry: A man carrying a revolver was detained by police on Tuesday during actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally at the Uppalam Expo Ground after he attempted to enter a restricted section of the venue.
According to police officials, security personnel were conducting thorough frisking checks at the entrance when they discovered the firearm. The man reportedly claimed to be a personal security officer and said the weapon was licensed, but he declined to reveal either his identity or the name of the organization he worked for. His refusal prompted suspicion, leading to his immediate detention for questioning.
Tuesday’s rally marked TVK’s first major public meeting since the tragic Karur stampede in September, which resulted in 41 deaths. In the aftermath of the incident, the Tamil Nadu government initially denied permission for the Puducherry event due to safety concerns. Approval was eventually granted, but only under strict conditions.
Authorities capped attendance at 5,000 people, and entry was permitted solely through QR code verification to avoid overcrowding. Despite these measures, a massive crowd gathered outside the venue, with many eager supporters climbing trees to catch a glimpse of Vijay.
More than 1,500 police personnel were deployed to manage security, regulate movement, and enforce crowd control protocols. Barricades were placed around the venue, and multiple checkpoints were set up to screen attendees.
The discovery of the handgun added to the tension surrounding the event, although there were no reports of violence or further disruptions. Police said the investigation into the detained individual is underway.
The rally drew attention not only for its tight security but also for its significance in TVK’s political campaign efforts after the Karur tragedy. Vijay’s supporters turned out in large numbers, highlighting the actor’s continued influence as he builds his political platform.
