MUTHUVEL KARUNANIDHI
Thousands mourn death of revered Tamil leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi
Chennai — Thousands mourned in India on Tuesday after the death of revered 94-year-old political leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi. Karunanidhi, a charismatic self-styled champion of the poor, had been in intensive care since July 28 in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state. A crowd had been thronging the streets outside the hospital since his hospitalisation but it swelled to about 6,000, an AFP photographer estimated, after doctors said he had suffered a "significant decline". Prakash Duria, a doctor at the Kauvery Hospital, later confirmed to AFP that he had died. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences to the family, saying "India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely". Supporters beat their chests and chanted the leader’s name as hundreds of police struggled to contain the surging crowds pressing against barricades. The Press Trust of India news agency said a security alert had been sounded across the state, bearing in mind the outbreaks of violence in the p...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.