Chennai, Apr 29: Actor Siddharth on Thursday alleged his phone number was leaked by members of Tamil Nadu BJP and he and his family received over 500 abusive calls and 'death threats'.

He said he was given police protection following complaint but would 'give up this privilege.'

"My phone number was leaked by members of TN BJP and @BJPtnITcell. Over 500 calls of abuse, rape and death threats to me & family for over 24 hrs."

"All numbers recorded (with BJP links and DPs) and handing over to Police. I will not shut up. Keep trying," @narendramodi, @AmitShah, Siddharth tweeted.

The BJP, however, denied the allegation.

Tamil Nadu BJP media wing president ANS Prasad alleged the actor sought 'cheap publicity' by making baseless allegations against his party and top leaders.

In another tweet, the actor thanked police for protection. "Thank you @tnpoliceoffl for the protection. I am the first person in my entire family's history to be given the same."

"However, I would politely like to give up this privilege so the same officers' time is better used for something else during this pandemic. Thank you again."

Siddharth's fans took to twitter to express solidarity with him and the hashtag #IStandWithSiddharth trended.

The 42-year-old actor debuted in ace filmmaker Shankar's Tamil movie 'Boys (2003) and has starred in many films including Aamir Khan-starrer 'Rang De Basanti'.

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Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.