Reports reaching Bangalore indicate that deceased Janata Dal (U) leader H Nagappa's family has rejected the Karnataka government's offer to accord a state funeral to the former minister.

The family members are also believed to have told government officials that Nagappa's funeral would be a private affair, to be held at their farmhouse in Kamagere in Chamarajnagar district.

Animal Husbandry Minister M Mahadev, who hails from Chamarajnagar district, was not allowed to attend the funeral. Sensing the mood, cabinet ministers, including Chief Minister S M Krishna, are staying away.

Family members have also told the police, Congressmen and mediapersons to keep away from the funeral and Nagappa's farmhouse. They believe that the government adopted a callous attitude while dealing with Nagappa's abduction.

Thousands of people from nearby towns and villages and also Mysore have descended on Kamagere to pay their last respects to the departed leader.

Nagappa's Abduction: Complete Coverage