The Sampadak Express News Desk
Music composer Deva, 75, was laid to rest with full state honours at his farmhouse in Chakkaramallur village near Arcot in Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet district on October 18, 2026, a day after he died in Chennai, The Hindu reported.
Residents from his native village gathered outside the farmhouse from around 11 a.m., even though the cortege arrived by road from Chennai at about 3.30 p.m. Police managed swelling crowds as many mourners broke down on seeing the body, according to the newspaper.
Ranipet Superintendent of Police P. Sibin supervised security arrangements. At least 250 police personnel, including women constables, were deployed and local traffic was diverted. “According to protocol, 72 rounds will be fired, and a police gun salute was done to mark full state honours. The public were allowed to pay tributes,” Mr. Sibin told presspersons, as reported by The Hindu.
Leaders from various political parties, senior government officials and members of the film fraternity paid their respects. Those present included Minister for Cooperatives V. Gandhiraj, Ranipet Collector N. Priya Ravichandran, former DMK Minister R. Gandhi, filmmaker Cheran and actor Jai.
Villagers recalled Deva’s close ties to the community, saying he addressed residents by name, supported children’s education, attended family functions and helped build a few local temples.
Earlier in the day in Chennai, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited Deva’s residence and paid floral tributes, The Hindu reported.
Around 5 p.m., family members performed the last rites, led by Deva’s son, composer Srikanth Deva. The body was interred at the farmhouse with full state honours.
