BANGALORE: The condolence meeting organised by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to mourn the death of thespian Rajkumar here on Wednesday evening went off peacefully.

With the recent violence still fresh in public mind, the attendance was thin. In fact, the police outnumbered the audience. Police Commissioner Ajai Kumar Singh personally supervised the security arrangements at the venue and was present along with other senior officers till the meeting concluded.

The meeting venue — the National College Grounds in Basavanagudi — resembled a fortress with the police putting barricades on all roads leading to the grounds. While the entry near the podium opposite to Satyapramoda Choultry was restricted to invitees with passes and media persons, people were allowed to enter the venue from K.R. Road.

Metal detectors

Everyone was subjected to thorough checks by the police, who used metal detectors at all entry points to the venue. Police were seen sending away drunken audience from the venue.

In the wake of large-scale violence that rocked the city on April 12 and 13 following Dr. Rajkumar's death, the police had heightened security and taken preventive steps to ensure that no untoward incidents occurred during the condolence meeting. Though residents of Shankarapuram, which is adjacent to the grounds, had to face a little inconvenience owing to the blockade, life around Basavanagudi and surrounding areas went unobstructed. Even the traffic flow was normal and the adjacent Gandhi Bazaar was bustling with activity.

Preventive custody

The police had taken 1,177 people with criminal antecedents into preventive custody. Additional forces were deployed in sensitive areas in the city and around the National College Grounds.

Around 5,000 police personnel, including those from the Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve and Rapid Action Force, were posted in the city.

The police had also installed close circuit cameras at the venue.

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