Funeral procession of Raj Kumar begins

Bangalore, Apr 13: As lakhs of fans bid a tearful farewell, the mortal remains of Kannada thespian Raj Kumar meandered its way in a flower bedecked vehicle to the government owned Sri Kanteerava Studios this afternoon for last rites.

The last rites would be performed at the studios with full state honours by evening. Sons of Dr Rajkumar-- Shivraj, Raghavendra and Puneet along with close relatives and family friends accompanied the body in the van. Leading cine artistes also accompanied the body.

Police frequently burst tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge to quell the frenzy mob which indulged in violence. An infuriated mob attacked several policemen and threw chappels near the stadium and torched four buses and several private vehicles. A theatre was also attacked near the stadium.

A steady flow of mourners filed past the body since early morning. Prominent among those who paid homage included noted Tamil actor Rajnikanth, Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna and Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh and Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi.

Scores of tinsel world artistes were also among others who paid last respects to the departed soul.

Karnataka Government has declared a two day mourning since yesterday as a mark of respect to the thespian. All commercial etablishments including banks and educational institutions remained closed. However, fewer government buses and two wheelers plied on roads.

UNI