Daijiworld bureau report
Bangalore, Apr 12 (6-30 pm): Information from the city police has reported traffic disruptions in various parts of the city like Majestic, Malleshwaram, Sadashivanagar, Rajajinagar, Mysore Road, Marthahalli, Domlur, Airport Road and other places, following the death of Rajkumar.
News capsule:
- The Karnataka government has declared state mourning and the Cabinet will hold a meeting shortly to discuss the funeral arrangements. A state funeral is being planned according to informed sources.
- The mourning fans have been forcing the shops to down the shutters.
- Security has been beefed up outside Rajkumar's residence in Bangalore. Police had to resort to lathicharge and open fire to control fans who started visiting his house following the news of his death.
- Emotional fans have hit the roads with processions bringing the traffic to a complete standstill. Sporadic cases of stone pelting have also been reported from different parts of the city.
- All shops in Bangalore have closed as a mark of respect.
- Meanwhile, BJP leader LK Advani has cancelled the Karnataka leg of his Bharat Suraksha Yatra after hearing about Rajkumar's demise.
- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also sent his condolences to Rajkumar's family.
- Over a month ago Rajkumar had been admitted to Wockhardt Hospital and Heart Institute, Bangalore, after he complained of chest pain, bronchial allergy and lung infection. He was then discharged within days after he fully recovered. Rajakumar had also been hospitalized in January following "neurological problems."
(With inputs from Patrick D'Souza, Bangalore)