Daijiworld News Network - Banglore (MB)

Spot report by Jessie Rodrigues, Bangalore

Bangalore, Apr 13 (1-15 pm IST): While thousands mourn the loss of Kannada superstar Dr Rajkumar, his fans are pouring in from all parts of the state to catch a glimpse of the mortal remains of their favourite celluloid idol.

Right now, lacs of people are queueing up in and around Kantheerva Stadium, so much so that this morning the local police had to resort lathi-charge to kee the crowd to keep under control.

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A top police official advised our correspondent not to venture into the stadium in the interest of personal safety.
 
At 1-00 pm, Rajkumar's body was to be carried to various parts of the city in a 4-hour procession. Thereafter it would be finally taken to Kantheerva Studio at Nandini Layout where the last rites would be performed at 5 pm on Thursday evening.

The funeral is to be conducted with full state honours with a large number of ministers from the state cabinet and assembly, industry colleagues and local artistes are expected to attend.
 
The city has been in a state of mourning and self-declared bundh, with all schools, colleges, government offices and most private companies keeping their shutters closed for the day. In fact, even 24x7 call centers have ceased operations since last evening and are expected to resume work from the midnight shift onwards on Thursday night.
 
While the crowds have been concentrated around Kantheerva Stadium, MG Road and Queens Road, some stray incidents of violence have occurred in some other parts of the city, with protesters marching into private companies working on Thursday, smashing the glass facades of the office buildings while demanding that the employees be sent home immediately. As this is being reported, there is a bus being burnt by an unruly mob at Kanteerva Stadium.
 
Tension is expected to prevail at all parts of the city which would form the procession route. Even after the cremation of the superstar, funeral rites will be held, and the Bangalore Police are preparing themselves for what might be a repeat of last evening's violence.
 
Nationwide, political leaders including Dr A P J Kalam have sent their condolences to his wife Parvathamma and his family. The Kannda movie world  the state at large have definitely lost one of the greatest actors, performers and human beings of our time.