Puducherry: Man Caught With Pistol At The Venue of Vijay's TVK Rally

Tight security turned to high alert at a political rally for actor-politician Vijay on Tuesday after a man carrying a pistol was caught at the venue just hours before the event. This marks Vijay's first major public appearance since the September Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives - a tragedy that has placed today's gathering under a microscope.

The man was arrested during routine security screening at Puducherry's Expo Ground in Uppalam, where Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is holding a tightly regulated two-hour public meeting. Police confirmed the seizure of the weapon and said the suspect is in custody for interrogation. Although his motives remain unclear, officials stressed the incident happened before Vijay's arrival and did not disrupt event preparations, News18 reported.

Authorities had already imposed severe restrictions to prevent any repeat of the Karur disaster. Only 5,000 Puducherry residents with QR-coded passes issued by TVK will be allowed inside. The police have explicitly barred children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with health issues. No supporters from Tamil Nadu or outside Puducherry will be permitted.

In a safety-driven change from usual practice, Vijay will address the crowd from a campaign vehicle instead of a fixed stage - a direct response to the stampede in Karur, which the Tamil Nadu government recently attributed to "reckless and negligent" actions by the event organizers.

Parking restrictions are also in force, with designated zones set up away from the venue to avoid crowding. TVK has issued a nine-point advisory urging supporters to fully cooperate with police.

With tensions already high, the interception of an armed individual has amplified concerns around the rally. Police, however, maintain that all precautions are in place to ensure a secure event.

First Rally Since Karur Tragedy

This is the first public rally of Vijay since the September 27 stampede which killed 41 people and left over 100 injured.