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Karunanidhi Funeral: Two Dead In Stampede Outside Chennai's Rajaji Hall As Thousands Still Pour In To Catch Last Glimpse

Several people have been injured.
AFP/Getty Images

Update: Two people have reportedly died and several others seriously injured in a stampede outside Chennai's Rajaji hall, reported The Indian Express.

Thousands continued to throng the hall where Karunanidhi lies in state.

Reports say police had to also resort to lathicharge.

Even as thousands gathered in Chennai to pay their last respects to Karunanidhi, the Madras High Court announced its verdict, allowing his burial near the Anna memorial on Marina Beach.

While the DMK had wanted to have the burial there, the Tamil Nadu government had rejected their request saying they could not allot space on Chennai's Marina Beach because of legal complications.

The DMK welcomes the high court verdict with Karunanidhi's son, Alagiri seen breaking down after the verdict.

DMK supporters who have gathered in Chennai for the funeral were seen rejoicing after the high court verdict.

Meanwhile, political leaders and dignitaries arrived at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai to pay tributes to the Kalaignar, where he is lying in state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chennai this morning and visited Rajaji Hall.

Other leaders like Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others were likely to arrive in Chennai through the morning.

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha sessions were also adjourned for today.

Shops and offices in Chennai were mostly shut with several traffic diversions across the city to accommodate the thousands who were arriving in the city for the funeral.

Security has also been stepped up across the city to avoid untoward incidents.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.