The Hindu : Karnataka News : Chitradurga fans hold colourful bash for Shivarajkumar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 15, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Others

Chitradurga fans hold colourful bash for Shivarajkumar

Staff Correspondent

Twenty-two persons were injured in mild stampede

IN SHAMBLES: Heaps of chairs that were broken by fans of the actor at the venue, at Chitradurga on Thursday morning.

CHITRADURGA: The Kannada cine star Shivarajkumar celebrated his 44th birthday, which also coincided with the completion of 20 years in the filmdom, with thousands of enthralled fans here on Wednesday evening.

The cine star was felicitated by the Chitradurga MLA, G.H. Thippa Reddy. Mr. Shivarajkumar was given title of "Karnataka Kaladri". Mr. Reddy appreciated the service of the cine star and wished he excels further.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar thanked his fans for their love and affection. Cine stars Raghavendra Rajkumar, Radhika, and the director Om Sai Prakash spoke on the occasion.

The colourful extravaganza, which went on till late in the night, was marred by the uncontrolled outburst of fanatic enthusiasm. Chairs were flung in the air, barricades were broken, and slogans were raised. Twenty-two persons were reportedly injured in a minor stampede. They were treated at the Chitradurga District Hospital as out patients. The police had to resort to lathi charge to control the mob. The effects of impending mass hysteria was visible in the early hours of Wednesday. The venue fixed for the programme at the heart of busy business area was pointer to the modest expectation of crowd by the organisers and lack of foresight on the part of authorities responsible in maintaining law and order. The Old middle school ground that can at best accommodate a crowd of ten thousand was packed in the morning by enthusiastic fans. All the arrangements went haywire as the crowd increased. The police personnel appointed to maintain law and order were forced to become mute spectators. Heaps of broken chairs were seen at the venue on Thursday morning.

Many people watched the programme from rooftops and the mob around the ground blocked even the movement of pedestrians. The programme began at around 8.45 p.m. with the entry of Mr. Kumar. Variety of entertainment programmes were organised on the occasion. The authorities concerned heaved a sigh of relief after the mega function ended with out any major mishaps.

According to police sources, a group of miscreants barged into a colour lab and assaulted the staff and shop owner Wednesday evening. They alleged that the colour lab was responsible for the printing duplicate passes of the event. They forced the shop owner to write a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh and took away valuable items from the lab.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section

`Install rainwater harvesting structures in all new buildings'

Chitradurga fans hold colourful bash for Shivarajkumar

Pomegranate cultivation is a hit in Jagalur

An architectural marvel of the Chalukyan era

Photographer spots rare animal in Arbail Ghat

Lawyers oppose amendment to IPC, Cr.P.C.

Bandh against transfer of DC