TVK supporter dies of electrocution near Srivilliputtur; flag pole falls at party conference venue in Madurai

K. Kaleeswaran, 19, a supporter of actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay, died of electrocution when an iron pole he was carrying to erect a party flex banner came into contact with an overhead electric cable near Srivilliputtur in Virudhunagar district on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) night.

Kaleeswaran, a second-year Visual Communication student from Inam Karisalkulam, was helping set up a banner for the TVK’s second State conference, scheduled to be held on the outskirts of Madurai on Thursday (August 21). Around 10 p.m., the iron pole he was carrying touched a live overhead cable, and he suffered a fatal electric shock.

He was rushed to the Government Hospital in Srivilliputtur, where doctors declared him ‘brought dead’. The Vanniyampatti police have launched an investigation.

TVK flag pole collapses, damages SUV

In a separate incident on Wednesday (August 20), an SUV was damaged when a large TVK flag pole collapsed during installation at the conference venue on the outskirts of Madurai.

Though many workers and party personnel were present at the time, no injuries were reported. Initial reports suggest the crane belt holding the flag mast was not properly secured, causing the pole to fall. As the pole began to slip, those nearby quickly ran to safety.