CNN-IBN
New Delhi, April 13: [08.30pm IST] Kannada film legend, Rajkumar, was buried with full state honours in Bangalore on Thursday. Nearly three lac fans joined the funeral procession which took five hours to reach the burial place.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and several other eminent persons joined the procession. Frenzied fans of the thespian went on a rampage in Bangalore earlier, pelting stones and targeting vehicles in and around Kanteerava Stadium where his body had been kept. Six persons were killed in the violence including a constable.
At least two state-owned buses were set on fire near the stadium and many private vehicles damaged by an unruly crowd. A police personnel and another person died in the violence.
Police lathicharged the crowd several times and burst teargas shells in and around the stadium. Public transport was suspended after violent fans blocked the funeral procession.
Policemen suffered worst during the mob fury. Constables were dragged out from buses and beaten. Officials said at least six policemen were injured.
The Karnataka Cabinet has declared a two-day state mourning and a holiday for government offices, schools and colleges and courts on Thursday.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, after an emergency Cabinet meeting, announced a state funeral for the legend and said a black-bordered gazette would be brought out as mourning.
Hailing Rajkumar's contributions in culture, theatre and cinema and his “bold” promotion of the Kannada cause, Kumaraswamy said Rajkumar's death had created a void that was impossible to fill.
Kumaraswamy, a film producer himself, called himself an ardent Rajkumar fan and requested people not to be swayed by emotions and not do anything that would go contrary to Rajkumar's image. He urged the fans not to damage public or private property.
Kumaraswamy has requested Rajkumar’s family that they hold the funeral on the outskirts of Bangalore, considering that he was an eminent public personality.
Emotions ranged from grief to fury as frenzied fans jostled with each other to catch one last glimpse of their beloved star when his body was brought from hospital.
Chants of Rajkumar Amaravagali (long live Rajkumar) rent the air as hundreds of Annavaru's (elder brother) fans climbed the fence of the veteran actor's residence and even perched on tree tops.
Earlier report from our correspondent
Bangalore: Rajkumar Laid to Rest - Three Reported Killed in Violence
Daijiworld News Network - Bangalore
Spot report from Jessie Rodrigues
Pics courtesy: sify
Bangalore: Amid chaos and violence that has reportedly claimed three lives, including two in the police firing, the mortal remains of Kannada actor Rajkumar were laid to rest around 5-45 pm. The final rites were held near the Kantheerava Studio complex on Thursday evening. The body was covered by the national flag and was accorded a 3-gun salute.
Dignitaries who were close by included political heavyweights, in-law Bangarappa and many film personalities, prominently among them being Rajnikant and Sivaji Prabhu.
Tens of thousands of frenzied fans of Rajkumar broke through the police barricades and stormed the funeral venue as the last rites were performed by his sons with full state honours. Due to uncontrollable mob, violence erupted on the grounds. Many police were injured as they were the targets of the mob.
Because of the mourning atmosphere, the police were in a dilemma about taking action even as the violence demanded strict action. Just before the final rite, Raghavendra Rajkumar, one of the late actor's sons, was seen making frantic appeals to the crowd to give way so that the rites could be smoothly held.
Latest death toll at the site has been put at 4. Many incidents of stone-throwing have erupted in the city. Police vehicles were set on fire at Yashwanthpur Circle. The army has been requested to be at stand-by.
Geo Hotel and a petrol filling station have been set on fire, said unconfirmed reports
Regional reports:
In other parts of Karnataka, including Mandya, Hassan, Tumkur and Shimoga, respects have been paid in peaceful manner. Mulbagal observed a total bundh in Rajkumar's honour.