Angry: Vinod Kumar's mother and sister at the police commissioner's office yesterday pics/kpn

Police commissioner S M Bidari wore a rather embarrassed look as family members of slain actor Vinod Kumar fell at his feet in gratitude.

Leading the entourage was Babiyamma, the mother of Vinod Kumar, who was gunned down by realtor-turned-producer Govardhan Murthy over a trivial row on Tuesday. She was accompanied by her two sons Kiran and Arun and around 40 relatives and friends.

The family earlier confronted Govardhan Murthy while he was being brought to the commissioner's office. They showered him with abuses and curses for killing Vinod.

"Your sins have reached the limit," shouted Babiyamma as tears trickled down her cheeks. "Couldn't you find anyone else other than my son ... money has made you arrogant and blind ... you will not prosper," she sobbed.

Kiran, Arun and other relatives warned Murthy that they wouldn't spare him even if he came out on bail.

When the situation went out of control, deputy commissioner of police Basavaraj Malagatti informed the commissioner about the situation. It was then that Bidari called the family into his chamber.

He later assured them that he would take up all necessary action to get Murthy the maximum punishment. He said the accused was taken into police custody for a week for questioning.

"We have seized two pistols from him and have sent it to the Forensic Science Laboratory," he said.

Bidari further said the case would not be handed over to the CoD but would be investigated by the city police.

Accused Govardhan Murthy and his manager Langda Babu were picked up in Kochi. Police had intercepted a phone conversation in which Murthy had asked for a few lakhs to help him sneak out of the country.