Police use tear gas on fans paying homage to dead Kannada star

Bangalore, Dec 30 (ANI): Scores of people, including several policemen, were injured and at least 40 vehicles were damaged after the police resorted to a baton charge and burst tear gas shells to control a mob at the National College Grounds here on Wednesday.

Thousands of fans had come to pay their last respects to departed Kannada cine actor Vishnuvardhan.

Vishnuvardhan, 59, passed away on Wednesday morning following a cardiac arrest. His wife and one time leading actress Bharati, two adopted daughters, Keerthi and Chandana and son in law Anirudha survive him.

His body was kept in the National College grounds to allow fans to pay their respects.

Seven buses were damaged in the Rajajinagar, Magadi Road, Sunkadakatte and Jayanagar areas of the city.

Fans forced some shops to close down.

Bharati appealed to fans not to resort to violence.

Popularly known as Sahasa Simha (valour lion) in the Kannada film industry, Vishnuvardhan had acted in films in other languages as well including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu.

Karnataka Chief Minister Yeddyurappa was among the first to visit the actor's house. He announced a state funeral for departed superstar.

State Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy said a film city would be built in memory of Vishnuvardhan on the lines of Ramoji Rao Film City through a public -private -partnership. (ANI)