A security guard accompanying a local party official was intercepted by personnel while attempting to enter the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) public meeting in Puducherry on December 9, due to him carrying a firearm. The individual was identified as David, a guard for Prabhu, the TVK's Sivagangai District Secretary.
The event, held at the Expo Ground under heavy security, marked actor Vijay’s first public appearance since the fatal stampede in Karur, which claimed 41 lives.
Despite the stringent arrangements, supporters arriving for the meeting were seen vaulting over barricades in an attempt to breach the venue, necessitating further crowd control efforts by the police.
In advance of the gathering, the Puducherry Police had issued a comprehensive advisory outlining strict safety and crowd management protocols. Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) R Kalaivanan confirmed that attendance was capped at 5,000, adhering to the TVK’s own stated request.
Police took the measure of barring residents of neighbouring Tamil Nadu from the venue and advised them against traveling to Puducherry to prevent congestion and disruption. Furthermore, safety restrictions prevented children, pregnant women, and the elderly from entering.
Entry to the grounds was exclusively granted to individuals possessing a valid QR code pass distributed by the party. Designated parking was available only in specific zones, including the Puducherry Marina, the area behind the sports stadium, and the old port.
Organizers were instructed to ensure the availability of essential facilities at the venue, such as drinking water, toilets, ambulances, first aid medical teams, fire engines, and proper enclosures.
Authorities had previously rejected the party’s request for a road show, permitting only the public meeting to proceed under strictly defined conditions.
Also read: TVK's Vijay resumes poll campaign, targets DMK
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