Bengaluru : Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday said the body of veteran Kannada actor and Congress leader M H Ambareesh will be kept at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here Sunday for people to pay their last respects.

"The body of actor Ambareesh will be kept at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium from around 8 am tomorrow for people to pay their last respects," he told reporters here.

Ambareesh passed away in Bengaluru. He was 66.

The former Union minister was rushed to a private hospital after he complained of breathing problems, sources said. Kumaraswamy added that the family members of the actor had decided to hold the funeral in Bengaluru, instead of his native Mandya. Condoling the death of the actor and veteran Congress leader, Kumaraswamy called him a rebel who was loved by all.

"Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely death of my beloved friend Ambareesh. In his death, an era of love and affection in the Kannada film industry has ended," he said.

Kumaraswamy said he enjoyed his friendship with Ambareesh, which went beyond political affiliations and films. "He was a rebel who was loved by all. He has carved a unique place (for himself) in both politics and films," he added.

Ambareesh left behind a legacy that would be cherished by his family, friends, fans and followers, Kumaraswamy said. "May his soul rest in peace and his family and friends get the strength to bear this loss," he said.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, too, condoled the death of Ambareesh, calling him his "best friend". "A wonderful human being ... my best friend ... I have lost you today and will miss you ... Rest In Peace #Ambrish," he said in a tweet.

Ambareesh has acted in over 200 films and served as the Karnataka housing minister in the previous Siddaramaiah-led cabinet.

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Sambhal(UP) (PTI): Security was stepped up across the district ahead of Friday prayers and the likely submission of a report on the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here by the court-appointed ASI team following claims that a temple once stood at the spot.

Tension has been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site.

Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said security measures have been reinforced at sensitive religious sites in the area and around the court in Chandausi.

The lawyer for the Hindu side, Gopal Sharma, said the court hearing on Friday will see the plaintiff's side present their reply, and the court commissioner is expected to submit the findings from the survey conducted on the disputed site.

"Our further action will be determined after the survey report is reviewed," Sharma said.

Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, the lawyer representing the Muslim side, said they are fully prepared to present their case.

"We have all the necessary evidence, and we will first request a copy of the survey report before strongly presenting our side in court," Warsi stated.

Violence erupted on November 24 as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson. Four people died and scores of others were injured in the violence.

The situation remains tense, and local authorities are closely monitoring the developments to maintain peace and order.