Saravana Bhavan owner passes away

A week after starting a life term for the 2001 kidnapping and murder of an employee, 72-year-old Rajagopal was admitted to a private hospital after his surrender.

The row started in 2004, when P Rajagopal was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of an employee, Santhakumar. A local court had sentenced Rajagopal and eight others involved in the murder to 10 years in prison. The victim's body was later found in the forests of Kodaikanal.

Saravana Bhavan, a name synonymous with South Indian food has outlets in 20 countries including the US, the UK, France and Australia.