#JUSTIN: Man Dies After Fainting at Vijay’s TVK Rally in Salem

A 37-year-old man, identified as S. Suraj, tragically collapsed and died during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionaries’ meeting in Salem on Friday. The incident occurred shortly after party president Vijay arrived at the venue, where a large crowd had gathered.

Suraj, a Maharashtra native residing in Salem for nearly 20 years, was employed at a silver anklet manufacturing unit and is survived by his wife and two children. According to police, he complained of uneasiness while waiting at the rally and fainted, after which he was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead.

Preliminary enquiries suggest that Suraj’s death may have been triggered by dehydration due to intense heat, compounded by his prior heart-related procedure. While he had an authorised pass to attend the event, he was neither a party member nor an official functionary.

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Despite the event being intended as a functionaries’ meeting, police reported that a significant number of the public also participated. This marks the first casualty at a TVK gathering since the September 27, 2025, Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives.

Political reactions followed swiftly, with BJP youth wing leader Vinoj P Selvam criticizing the party for recurring safety lapses. DMK spokesperson A Saravanan also raised concerns about the lack of basic arrangements, including shelter and drinking water, warning that more lives could be at risk before the Assembly elections.

The TVK, meanwhile, stated that it had advised cadres and public attendees with health issues to avoid the meeting. Authorities have registered a report and are continuing the investigation to determine all factors contributing to the fatal incident.

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