Chaos Erupts During Actor Vijay's Campaign in Trichy
The campaign visit of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay to Trichy on Thursday descended into chaos, resulting in multiple accidents, traffic violations, and a serious injury to a police officer. The incidents unfolded as large crowds gathered to support the political figure, leading to hazardous conditions on the roads.
Police Constable Injured in Campaign-Related Accident
In a distressing turn of events, a police constable sustained a leg fracture during the post-campaign dispersal. The injured officer has been identified as S Sathish, aged 27, who is attached to the Tamil Nadu Special Police Battalion. He was on duty at Marakkadai near Gandhi Market, where Vijay had been campaigning.
After Vijay concluded his campaign around 1 PM and began leaving the venue with other senior leaders, police started removing fencing and barricades to facilitate vehicle movement. Amid the confusion, a car belonging to TVK general secretary for election campaign management, Aadhav Arjuna, struck Constable Sathish. The front wheel of the vehicle ran over his right leg, causing a fracture.
TVK cadres promptly rushed Sathish to a government hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Around 3 PM, Arjuna and several other party functionaries visited him to check on his condition.
Multiple Accidents and Crowd Management Issues
Earlier in the day, as Vijay was traveling to the corporation zone II office near Palakkarai to file his nomination, a couple riding a motorcycle parallel to his convoy fell on the road and sustained injuries. This accident occurred near Melapudur around 11:20 AM. Police and members of the public quickly rushed to assist them.
Noticing the mishap, Vijay stepped out of his van, approached the couple, and inquired about their wellbeing. He advised them to drive carefully and recommended that the woman seek medical care. Despite the incident, the couple left the scene on the same motorcycle.
Despite TVK's prior request for supporters not to follow Vijay's vehicle to the campaign venue, hundreds of people ignored the appeal. They trailed the convoy from Trichy airport to Palakkarai between 11 AM and 11:30 AM, creating significant commotion among the public.
Health Emergencies and Traffic Congestion
In the large crowd that assembled at Marakkadai, at least two women collapsed due to exhaustion. One of them was urgently taken to Trichy Government Hospital for treatment.
Vijay's visit caused severe traffic congestion in key areas such as Gandhi Market, Thennur, Singarathope, Puthur, and the Head Post Office. A police officer indicated that cases would be registered in connection with the accidents and traffic violations that occurred during the event.
The series of incidents highlights the challenges of managing large political gatherings and underscores the importance of safety protocols during high-profile campaigns.
