Puneeth Rajkumar live updates: Last rites performed with state honours

The actor's mortal remains were said to have been brought home from Vikram Hospital before taking them to the Kantheerava Stadium

As revealed by an online portal, the preparations to allow fans to pay their last respects involves 6,000 police personnel, 40 KSRPplatoons, along with city armed reserve and RAF

"This is a great regret that we report the demise of Mr. Puneeth Rajkumar, a leading actor of the Kannada Film Industry. Mr. Puneeth Rajkumar was an extremely fit 46-year-old gentleman. This morning, after his routine exercise, he complained of chest pain and was taken to his family doctor where he was diagnosed with an acute heart attack and he was immediately referred to our hospital for further management. On arrival at our hospital, Mr. Puneeth Rajkumar was non-responsive and his heart had stopped - this is called Cardiac Asystole. We made all attempts and immediate cardiac resuscitation was initiated including cardiac massage, defibrillation, or shock therapy, and the patient was even put on a ventilator and all other medications. In spite of that, the patient continued to be non-responsive and his heart refused to pick up. Hence, after prolonged efforts by the entire team, consisting of an emergency specialist, the ICU specialist, and a cardiology team, we had to stop resuscitative measures at 2:30 pm. We regret the passing of Mr. Puneeth Rajkumar and express solidarity with the family and give them our sincere condolences."

In his pursuits to control the proceedings, Karnataka C.M. Basavaraj Bommai has requested fans and the general public to maintain decorum.

The mortal remains of the actor have been taken to his residence in Sadashivnagar of Bengaluru where fans were already waiting in large numbers to catch a final glimpse of their favorite star.