Bangalore: Shops and business establishments were closed down spontaneously in Bangalore when news about the death of thespian Rajkumar came in.

Even as the matinee idol's' fans spread out to bring normal life to a halt, business establishments, including hotels and restaurants downed shutters as a precaution. The reaction of the business class was similar to what happened here during the days when the filmstar was abducted by outlaw Veerappan in 2000.

Police sources told The Hindu that news relating to the announcement of the death was delayed to enable the authorities to tighten security arrangements across the State. As soon as the television channels flashed the news about the death of the thespian, violence was reported in many parts of the city.

The employees of several information technology companies were the target of attacks. In areas such as Hosur Road, Madivala and J.P.Nagar the software professionals, who were dropped by their office vehicles, were heckled. Youth travelling in public vehicles, particularly in autorickshaws, were largely the ones who indulged in arson and stone throwing. While cars and public transport vehicles were the target in the southern parts of Bangalore, motor vehicles plying with Kannada flags fluttering in the front had a safe passage since they were considered "Kannada protagonists and fans of Dr. Rajkumar".

It was big business for boys selling Kannada flags in the busy Gandhi Bazaar and Jayanagar area.

The mob temperament was such that even an ambulance carrying a patient to a hospital near the Richmond Circle was attacked on Kengal Hanumanthaiya Road.

People in residential areas got a scent of the panic when autorickshaw drivers refused to carry passengers. Shops selling new and old tyres came in handy for the anti-social elements who attacked such places and made a bonfire on many roads.

At several junctions in the city, fans of the matinee idol put up makeshift tents and placed his portrait.

There were passers-by who garlanded the portraits.

People living in the neighbourhood of Dr. Rajkumar's residence were the worst hit. Most of the houses were stoned and cars parked in the vicinity were damaged.

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