Cremation was attended to by film stars and politicians including the Chief Minister, who arrived at 5 pm to oversee the arrangements and left only after the final rites. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa said the government would donate two acres of forest land adjacent to Abhimaan Studios for the construction of a memorial to the star.
The departed star was given a three-volley salute by a contingent of Karnataka State Reserve Police before being consigned to flames. Vishnuvardhan’s brother Ravi lit the funeral pyre.
Film star Arjun Sarja said that Vishnuvardhan was a very disciplined man and his death was a loss to Karnataka film industry. BJP leader Ananthkumar said Vishnuvardhan was a good friend and was the pride of the State.
“I hope his wife and supporters get courage to withstand his death,” he added.
Police vehicles were pelted with stones at both the locations. Later, two vehicles parked outside the studios were torched.
Bidari said that they would investigate and take action against those responsible.
Two vehicles belonging to media houses were torched by the mob, while four other vehicles were damaged by the angry mob.
Ambi pleads for calm
Despite the heavy police presence, the surging crowd denied entry into the grounds started jumping over the compound, forcing the police to resort to mild lathi-charge. A visibly upset film star Ambareesh initially pleaded with the people to maintain calm and thereby not disrupt the rituals, but lost his temper when his call was unheeded.
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