Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s political rally in Salem on Friday drew massive crowds but was marred by a death, alleged attacks on journalists, and renewed scrutiny over a series of fatalities linked to his public events over the past two years.
Death at Salem Rally
A 37-year-old man died after suffering a heart attack during the rally, police said.
Salem police officials identified the deceased as Suraj, a native of Maharashtra who had been residing in the Sevvaipettai area of Salem for work. He was engaged in silver-related labour and is survived by his wife and a child.
According to police, Suraj had attended the public meeting organised for TVK party administrators as a spectator. During the event, he suddenly collapsed and was rushed for medical assistance but was declared dead.
Officials said preliminary information pointed to a heart attack as the cause of death, adding that further inquiries were underway.
Fatalities at Previous TVK Events
The Salem death is not an isolated incident. Several fatalities have been reported in connection with Vijay’s rallies and conferences since 2024.
Vikravandi Conference – 27 October 2024
Six persons died in separate road accidents while travelling to attend TVK’s maiden public conference in Vikravandi. Those who died included advocate ‘Ghilli’ VL Srinivasan, youth wing leader JK Vijaykalai, and supporters Vasanthakumar, Riyaz, Udayakumar, and Charles, the latter reportedly due to breathing difficulties. Vijay expressed condolences to the families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Madurai State Conference – 21 August 2025
A 33-year-old supporter, Prabhakaran from Chennai, died after collapsing while travelling to attend TVK’s mega conference in Madurai. He was found unconscious near Chakkimangalam and later declared dead at the Government Rajaji Hospital.
In a separate incident linked to the same conference, an 18-year-old youth, Roshan from Kotagiri in the Nilgiris, died after experiencing suffocation amid heavy crowding at the venue. He was administered first aid but later suffered another bout of breathlessness while returning home and was declared dead at a hospital.
Karur Rally – 27 September 2025
A major stampede during Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed 41 lives, including children, casting a long shadow over large-scale mobilisations organised by the party.
Trichy Rally Drew Crowds, No Deaths
At TVK’s statewide campaign launch rally in Tiruchirappalli on 13 September 2025, massive crowds were reported, though no deaths were officially recorded.
The event, held under strict police conditions, saw supporters pushing barricades, climbing structures, and crowding along Vijay’s route. Medical teams reportedly attended to several attendees affected by heat and prolonged waiting, while fan surges caused significant traffic disruption across the city.
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