Rajkumar death: Fans indulge in violence, Tear gas shells burst

Bangalore, Apr 12 (UNI) Police lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge to disperse fans of Kannada legendary actor Rajkumar, who died here today, as they indulged in stone pelting.

The body was kept at the sprawling Palace Grounds here to enable the public to pay homage. However, as the facilities there were inadequate, it was decided to shift it to some other place.

Fans demanded the body be kept for public homage at Kanteerava stadium or Palace Grounds and not at Poornaprajna ground, near the actor's Sadashivnagar residence. Tear gas shells were lobbed to control the morning fans and the body was later taken to Kanteerava stadium.

Police had a tough time in controlling the fans and had to resort to lathi charge in many places.

Microsoft India's research unit at Sadashivnagar in the city, close to the actor's house, was damaged heavily by the grieving fans.

Bandh was observed in many parts of the state, including Mysore, Mandya and Shimoga districts. Vehicular movement came to a standstill in most areas.

Meanwhile, bus services were withdrawn following stone pelting incidents, in which several buses were damaged. One police jeep was set on fire and several vehicles were damaged.

Business establishments downed their shutters, cinemas cancelled shows and hotels closed immediately after hearing the news. Road blockades were staged and tyres burnt, affecting vehicular movement in many areas.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy appealed to the fans not to destroy public property and maintain the honour of Rajkumar.

UNI MSP GD DKS BST2020