The family members have thanked the Karnataka government, police and fans for the well organised funeral of Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar on Sunday.

Shivarajkumar, elder brother of Puneeth thanked Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for the arrangements. “I also thank the government, all departments and police for their cooperation,” he said.

Raghavendra Rajkumar, another sibling, stated that it was an appropriate decision by the government to not allow the procession of the fans. “We have seen violence and damages to public properties at the time of my father Dr Rajkumar’s funeral. We didn’t want this to happen. No one should get hurt,” he said.

Fans will be allowed only after “haalu-tuppa” ceremony (offering of milk and ghee to the deceased person’s grave). It will take some time. The decision will be taken after discussing with Chief Minister Bommai, he said.

“This is because, before the family members could perform these rites, fans themselves had done everything at the grave of our father Dr Rajkumar. Some had even dug up the grave. We don’t want this to happen this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, prohibition orders were clamped in the surrounding areas of Kanteerava Studio by Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Manjunath until further orders. As many as 10,000 police personnel were deputed to maintain law and order in the city. About 10 lakh people visited and paid their last respects from Friday noon till the early hours of Sunday.

Shivarajkumar has appealed to the fans of Puneeth not to take any extreme steps and take care of their families. One person is reported to have committed suicide and two died of heart attacks following the untimely death of Puneeth Puneeth Rajkumar.

Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar breathed his last yesterday morning after he suffered a massive heart attack. The actor’s fans are shattered and his last rites will take place tomorrow. The actor’s last release was Yuvaratna and it released in April this year. Puneeth Rajkumar had plans to resume the shoot of James in November and he wanted the shoot to be completed by the end of the year. He signed a film for KFG makers, Hombale Films and the project is titled Dvitva. Pawan Kumar is on the board as the director and the film is expected to start early next year.

Besides, these Puneeth Rajkumar had plans to produce two new films on his home banner PRK Productions. The pre-production work of these films are happening currently. Puneeth Rajkumar also has been in talks for two new films to play the lead role that are expected to be announced next year. When things are extremely going well for him, the 46-year-old actor breathed his last yesterday. He is lauded widely for his charity work and down-to-earth nature. Rest in peace to one of the finest actors of Kannada cinema.

Kannada top actor Puneeth Rajkumar left the entire nation in shock after he breathed his last today because of a massive heart attack. He passed away in Vikram Hospitals, Bengaluru and the actor’s fans rushed to the hospital. The government of Karnataka issued a high alert and all the theatres are closed for the day. The sale of liquor is banned in Bengaluru to prevent any unexpected incidents. The mortal remains of Puneeth Rajkumar are brought to Kanteevara Stadium and will be kept for public visit.

His elder Vandhitha is studying in the USA and the last rites of Puneeth Rajkumar will be held after she returns back from the USA. Puneeth Rajkumar’s last rites will be held on Sunday with state honours. He will be laid to rest beside his father’s memorial in Kanteerava Studio in Bengaluru. His wife and the family members are inconsolable. The entire Kannada film industry is left in shock with the untimely demise of Puneeth Rajkumar. He has done 29 films in his career and has a large fan base across the state. The doctors of Vikram Hospital told that there was no cardiac activity when Puneeth Rajkumar was brought to the hospital. Rest in peace Puneeth Rajkumar.