A Vishwa Hindu Parishad activist, DS Kuttappa, died on Tuesday, during clashes that erupted in Madikeri, Karnataka, as people protested against the government's call to celebrate Tipu Sultan Jayanti, the Times of India reported. While initial reports suggested that he had been murdered as several groups turned violent during the protests, the Superintendent of Police in Madikeri told Times Now that Kuttappa had in fact fallen from the wall of a hospital and died. Kuttappa was the organising secretary of the VHP in Kodagu district.

Several others were injured during the demonstrations in the town, which is about 250 kilometres from Bengaluru. Police forces have been called in to quell the clashes. The Congress government in the state had decided to celebrate the birth centenary of the 18th century ruler who died fighting against the British. The move has been opposed by the Sangh Parivar, who said the ruler was a “religious bigot” who persecuted Hindus and converted people to Islam. The issue has led to widespread debate as well as unrest in the state, with various Hindu groups threatening to agitate against the decision, and the Bharatiya Janata Party staying away from any celebrations. Various groups, including the VHP, had called for a bandh in the state on Tuesday, the Times of India reported.