Abhijay performs last rites of his father Manjunath Rao at the Rotary Crematorium on the banks of Tunga River

Awave of grief swept through Shivamogga Thursday as the mortal remains of Manjunath Rao, who lost his life in the terrorist attack at Pahalgam was cremated with full state honours.
Shivamogga city came to a standstill as residents joined the mourning. Business establishments across Nehru Road, Durgigudi and Gandhi Bazaar downed shutters in solidarity, observing a bandh during the funeral procession.
The body of Manjunath Rao arrived in Shivamogga from Bengaluru by road around 10.30am. An emotion al procession began from Bekkinakal Mutt junction and moved through the city to his home in Vijayanagar. Along the route, locals stopped the ambulance to pay their respects. Several party workers accompanied the vehicle with a bike rally.
At his residence, hundreds gathered to offer condolences. The public was allowed to pay homage after completion of family rituals. As per customs, Manjunath’s son Abhijay performed the sacred rite of lighting the funeral pyre.
The final rites were conducted at 3.30pm at Rotary Crematorium on the banks of Tunga River. A large crowd, including elected representa tives, senior district officials and relatives, attended the ceremony. The Shivamogga Armed Reserve Force presented state honours before the pyre was lit.
Union minister Pralhad Joshi and education minister Madhu Bangarappa visited the grieving family. “The Union govt will retaliate against those involved in a fitting manner,” Joshi told the gathering.
Madhu Bangarappa consoled Pallavi, Manjunath’s wife, who arrived with son Abhijay from Bengaluru. His mother, Sumathi, remained inconsolable as relatives from near and far gathered to bid farewell.
Wife recounts horror, urges Modi to act
Pallavi, wife of Manjunath Rao, called on the govt to act following the terror attack in Kashmir that claimed her husband’s life. Describing Tuesday’s attack where her husband was shot in the neck and died within a minute, Pallavai said Manjunath stepped away from the spot to buy snacks.
“We mistook the firing for firecrackers,” Pallavi recalled. After encountering the assailants, she pleaded, “Shoot me too.” Instead, they spared her, saying, “Tell PM Modi.” Pallavi noted that while Hindus were targeted, local Muslims were spared after reciting Bismillah. “Four local Muslims helped us reach a hospital,” she said, with one even carrying her son for a mile.
Pallavi also criticised lack of security and urged PM Narendra Modi to “respond appropriately,” stressing the need for preventive measures over blame.