Fans protest demolition of actor Vishnuvardhan statue

Bengaluru: Fans of Sandalwood veteran actor late Vishnuvardhan staged a protest on Saturday across the State after his statue was found vandalized on Saturday early morning near Magadi Road Toll gate. The statue was restored at the same spot later.

The statue of the legendary actor was installed by his fans at Balagangadharanatha Swamiji circle on Magadi Road a year and a half ago. It was removed even earlier also. Fans of Vishnuvardhan expressed outrage over disrespect done to the late actor.

According to Magadi Road police, a case has been registered and CCTV footages are being checked to identify the miscreants behind the incident.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister V Somanna apologized to the fans of the actor for the incident. He promised to install a statue at another suitable place and appealed to the fans not to be provoked by the incident.

Reacting to the incident, Vishnuvardhan's son-in-law and actor Anirudha said there was talk of installing the statue of Bal Gangadhar Swamiji at the place. "But it is wrong to destroy the statue of Appaji. The offenders should be punished and I request the government to take immediate action," Mr Anirudh said.