Two killed, 30 injured in stampede at Karunanidhi's funeral

Amid the rush, people were seen breaching barricades and jumping over walls. Police had to resort to lathicharge to bring the swelling crowds under control.

Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin appealed to people to maintain calm.

Apart from the masses, top leaders including PM Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have visited or will visit Rajaji Hall to pay homage.

Karunanidhi's funeral is scheduled to be held at 5pm today. He will then be buried at Marina Beach, near the resting place of DMK founder CN Annadurai.

This too was preceded by an urgent legal battle. After his death yesterday, the state government had refused to allow space at Marina for his burial.

DMK took it to court, which decided in their favor today.

Karunanidhi, like most other Dravidian movement leaders, was an atheist. The last rites of atheists generally depend on what practices the family or community follows.

Karunanidhi was also a staunch follower of Periyar and CN Annadurai, both of whom were buried.

Moreover, Marina is the resting place of some of TN's most significant leaders, including MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.

Karunanidhi succumbed to old-age related ailments after 10 days at hospital yesterday evening. He was 94.

The state government has declared a day of mourning today.

He will be given full state honors and a military salute. He will be wrapped in the tricolor and the flag will fly at half mast.

The government will recognize a seven-day mourning period. All functions stand cancelled.