The reformed underworld don, Muthappa Rai, (68) who was battling cancer for the past year, passed away in Bengaluru, in the early hours on Friday.
Rai, an entrepreneur and founder of pro-Kannada organisation Jaya Karnataka, had retired from public life after he was diagnosed with cancer. He was residing in Bidadi on Mysuru road and is survived by his wife and children.
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.
