Second death reported at Vijay's rally; man consumes poison near venue
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 14, 2026
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A second death has been reported near Vijay’s rally in Salem, India, drawing attention to safety concerns at large-scale political events. A 50-year-old man named Murugan allegedly consumed poison and died near the venue. Police investigations revealed that Murugan left a letter citing personal family issues as his motive. His death follows another fatality earlier in the day when a 37-year-old laborer, Suraj, collapsed from what appeared to be a heart attack while attending the rally. Both deaths have sparked concerns over crowd management and safety at high-profile political events, particularly after a tragic stampede at a previous rally in Karur that claimed nearly 40 lives.
The incidents occurred during Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally, attended by thousands of supporters. Murugan was identified as a porter from Mettur, whose body was discovered near the meeting area. He had reportedly mixed poison with alcohol before consuming it. Meanwhile, Suraj, a laborer from Maharashtra, collapsed while watching the event and was rushed to a hospital but later pronounced dead.
The proximity of these deaths to the rally has raised questions about whether they are linked to the political event. However, both appear to be personal acts, with Murugan’s letter indicating family struggles and Suraj’s passing attributed to natural causes. Despite this, the timing and location have drawn scrutiny, especially given the recent history of fatal incidents at Vijay’s events.
The aftermath of these deaths was marked by tension. After Suraj’s collapse, journalists reported a violent scuffle with TVK supporters attempting to block coverage of the incident. Heavy police presence failed to prevent the chaos, highlighting potential weaknesses in crowd management systems. These back-to-back fatalities and the resulting unrest have reignited debates about safety protocols at large political gatherings.
The incidents underscore broader concerns about public safety during high-profile events, particularly in densely populated areas like India’s rural districts. The deaths of Murugan and Suraj serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with mass gatherings, especially when combined with the volatile atmosphere often seen at political rallies. As authorities review these cases, questions about crowd control, medical response, and public safety will likely take center stage in discussions about future event management.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026