50-year-old Kuttappa, a VHP leader, was killed and about 30 other activists were injured today, during a protest march in Madikeri, about 250 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.
Several organizations including VHP called for bandh to protest against the Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations sponsored by the government. This protest march took communal turn, ultimately leading to violence and riots.
Kuttappa, the organizing secretary of VHP in Kodagu, was grievously injured in the communal riots and succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Over 30 VHP activists were also injured in the incident after the rioters resorted to pelting of stones.
According to local reports, the stone pelting by some unknown miscreants, during the protest against the Tipu Jayanti celebrations caused the communal riots. Over 40 shops and houses were also attacked and looted during the incident.
As per reports, the police had to bring in additional reinforcements to control the situation.
