Indian dosa empire Saravana Bhavan plans future after convicted tycoon's death

Restaurant chain must move on from murder saga, rebuild tarnished image

P. Rajagopal was the founder of the Saravana Bhavan food chain, which has a branch here, opposite Mustafa Centre in Little India. Sources close to him said his addiction to astrology led to the murder of one of his employees, whose wife he wanted to
P. Rajagopal was the founder of the Saravana Bhavan food chain, which has a branch here, opposite Mustafa Centre in Little India. Sources close to him said his addiction to astrology led to the murder of one of his employees, whose wife he wanted to marry. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Few dosas are as hotly debated as those served in Saravana Bhavan. For the last two decades, perceptions about their flavour have been less about the rice batter than the deadly appetite of their maker.

P. Rajagopal, the owner and founder of one of the world's largest South Indian vegetarian restaurant chains, was sentenced in 2009 to life in prison for the murder of one of his employees, whose wife he wanted to marry.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 04, 2019, with the headline Indian dosa empire Saravana Bhavan plans future after convicted tycoon's death. Subscribe