Playwright and Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad on Wednesday apologised for his remarks that Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru should be renamed after Tipu Sultan. After he had made his comments on renaming the airport, Karnad had received a death threat saying he would meet the same end as murdered writer MM Kalburgi. The threat, a tweet by an unknown person, has been taken note of by local police. A senior police officer told The Times of India, “We are aware of the tweet and action will be taken if necessary and if a complaint is lodged.” Karnad later said he was sorry, and that he did not mean to offend anyone by his statement.

Karnad made the controversial remark on Tuesday, during state government-sponsored celebrations of Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary. Tuesday saw clashes in Madikeri where protests were held by right-wing groups against the celebrations. Two people died in the clashes. A police team has been set up to investigate the incidents.

Certain sections of people in Karnataka have been offended by the state government’s decision to celebrate 10 November as Tipu Jayanti. The ruler of Mysore is seen by some as a tyrant who destroyed villages and temples, and converted thousands of people to Islam.