PUDUCHERRY: A man carrying a handgun was held on Tuesday while trying to enter actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally at the Expo Ground in Uppalam. The incident caused brief tension at the venue, where police had enforced tight security following the Karur stampede tragedy.Police said the man, who claimed to be from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, told officers he was a personal security staff member who had arrived late and was carrying a licensed revolver. However, he refused to reveal whom he was providing security for. The firearm, holstered at his left waist, was spotted during routine frisking at the entrance. Officers took him in for further questioning.Entry to the rally was restricted to 5,000 people, with only those holding valid QR codes allowed inside. The strict controls were introduced after 41 people died in a stampede at a TVK event in Karur on 27 September. Despite these measures, large crowds of Vijay’s fans gathered outside, with some climbing nearby trees to catch a glimpse of the actor.This was TVK’s first public outreach event since the Karur incident. As the crowd swelled, TVK functionaries argued with police, demanding entry for supporters without QR codes. A senior woman police officer rebuked them, saying, “You are telling me what to do? 41 people died,” referring to the previous tragedy. She cautioned party members against overcrowding.Around 1,500 police personnel were deployed to manage the event. The TVK also arranged several volunteers, dressed in yellow T-shirts, including women, to help regulate the crowd.