Second Fatality Reported at Vijay's TVK Rally in Salem
A second death has been confirmed in connection with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Salem on Saturday. The incident has cast a shadow over the high-profile political gathering and raised serious questions about safety protocols.
Details of the Second Death
A 50-year-old man identified as Murugan, a porter from Mettur, was found deceased directly in front of the meeting area. According to police reports and information from news agency ANI, Murugan had traveled to Salem and allegedly consumed a lethal mixture of poison and alcohol.
Investigators recovered a letter left by Murugan that cited ongoing family issues as the primary motive for his actions. While authorities have indicated the act appears to be personal in nature, its occurrence at the political venue has drawn significant public and media attention.
A formal case has been registered, and Murugan's family has arrived at Salem Government Hospital to claim his body following completion of the postmortem examination.
First Fatality at the Event
Murugan's death represents the second fatality linked to the Salem rally. Earlier during the event, a 37-year-old man named Suraj collapsed while attending as a spectator. Suraj, identified as a silver-industry laborer originally from Maharashtra, was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead from an apparent heart attack.
Suraj is survived by his wife and a young child, adding a tragic dimension to the incident that has deeply affected the local community.
Violent Confrontation and Safety Concerns
The atmosphere at the rally turned volatile following Suraj's collapse. As journalists attempted to cover the medical emergency, a violent scuffle erupted between members of the press and TVK cadres.
Journalists on the scene alleged that party workers physically attacked them to prevent documentation of the incident, leading to a tense standoff despite the heavy police deployment stationed at the venue.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
These back-to-back incidents have reignited concerns over safety and crowd management at TVK events, particularly following a devastating stampede in Karur months ago that claimed nearly 40 lives. The recurring safety issues have prompted calls for stricter regulations and better emergency preparedness at political gatherings.
The incidents have also highlighted the challenges of managing large-scale political events in Tamil Nadu, where enthusiastic crowds often gather to support popular figures like Vijay, who commands significant public following both as an actor and emerging political leader.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate both deaths, with particular focus on understanding the circumstances surrounding Murugan's poisoning and the adequacy of medical response systems at the rally venue. The violent confrontation between journalists and party workers is also under scrutiny, raising questions about press freedom and transparency at political events.
The developments have sparked broader discussions about political responsibility, event safety standards, and the need for comprehensive emergency protocols at large public gatherings across the state.
