Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai bid an affectionate goodbye to Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar early on Sunday morning before the final procession at the Kanteerava Stadium.
"Puneeth was accorded full state honours, as the police band played the national anthem and police personnel fired three rounds in the air, followed by two minutes of silence as a mark of respect," News 18 reported. The national tri-colour that was wrapped on Puneeth's body was then handed over to his wife Ashwini Revanth by the Chief Minister.
While paying his last respects, Bommai became emotional. Folding his hands before the mortal remains of Puneeth, he was tearful and bid goodbye and affectionately kissed his forehead.
The photos have gone viral on social media. Bommai had camped with the family when Puneeth was shifted to a hospital following cardiac arrest on Friday. Later, he also paid several visits to the Kanteerava Stadium where the mortal remains of the actor were kept for final viewing.
He made several appeals to the people and fans of the South India's megastar to maintain peace and law and order and also to cooperate with the police. He also deputed his cabinet ministers to overlook the procedures.
