Puducherry, 9 Dec

A man carrying a licensed handgun was detained by police while attempting to enter actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally at the Expo Ground (New Port) in Uppalam on Tuesday, triggering a brief security scare.

Police said the man, who claimed to be from Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, identified himself as a personal security officer who could not join his team on time. He insisted that the revolver holstered at his left waist was licensed but refused to reveal who he was providing protection to. Authorities confirmed he was held for further inquiry after the firearm was detected during mandatory frisking at the entrance.

The rally, the party’s first major public event after the tragic Karur stampede on September 27 that claimed 41 lives, was held under strict crowd-control protocols. Permission was granted only for 5,000 attendees, and entry was limited to those carrying QR-coded passes.

Despite these restrictions, a huge number of TVK supporters and Vijay fans flocked to the venue, with many climbing trees to catch a glimpse of the star-politician. TVK functionaries reportedly argued with police when fans without QR codes were denied entry.

In a tense exchange, a senior woman police officer responded firmly, saying, “You are telling me what to do? 41 people died,” referring to the Karur tragedy. She warned party workers not to overcrowd or endanger public safety.

To manage the surge, over 1,500 police personnel were deployed. The party also stationed several yellow T-shirt clad volunteers, including women, to help guide supporters.

Police are continuing their inquiry into the detained individual as the incident sparked renewed concerns over security preparedness at political gatherings.