Bengaluru, May 15 Reformed underworld don N Muthappa Rai died battling cancer at a private hospital here on Friday, hospital sources said.
Rai, 68, was suffering from brain cancer for the past one year and was admitted at Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road, where he died at 2.30 am, the sources said. Rai is survived by two sons.
Born into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family in Dakshina Kannada''s Puttur town, Rai entered the crime world at a very young age.
Karnataka police issued arrest warrants against Rai in eight cases, including murder and conspiracy.
In 2002, Rai was deported to India from the United Arab Emirates. On arrival, he was questioned by various investigation agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), and by the Karnataka police. He was later acquitted due to the lack of evidences.
In his reformed years, Rai founded charitable organisation ''Jaya Karnataka''.
Rai has appeared in Tulu film ''Kanchilda Baale'' in 2011 and Kannada film ''Katari Veera Surasundarangi'' in 2012.
Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma wanted to make a movie based on Rai''s life. The film roped in actor Vivek Oberoi for the lead role and was shot in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Dubai and London. However, it has not been released due to production delays.
Rai was enthusiastic about the film and even celebrated his birthday with Varma and Oberoi.
After his cancer diagnosis, Rai withdrew from public life and resigned from Jaya Karnataka.
His last rites are likely to be performed at Bidadi on Friday, family sources said.
Comments
The NH 66 is very close to station here and the town is on opposite side. A limited height subway linking NH 66 and west side of Manjeshwar Railway station is a must for pedestrians. Foot Over Bridge will be of no use as it is difficult for people to climb the stairs especially for elders and women with kids on tow. Authorities should wake up. There is just a pathway connecting east and west sides of the station. If any train is staioned on the tracks waiting for signal or crossing people tend to cross under the waggons.
Its like suicide only. I saw many people doing the same for getting out from railway station.
Very Sad Rip to the departed souls, urgently we need bullet train to take more lifes
People trying for easy way by risking their life. RIP
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