One Dead, Many Hurt in Anti-Tipu Sultan Protest in Karnataka

Clash between supporters of Tipu Jayanti and those against it turned violent in which one of the VHP activists died.

An injured being taken away for medical aid after two groups clashed over governments decision to go ahead with Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations, in Kodgu on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI)

One person has been killed in the protests against the celebration of Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary in Karnataka. Saffron groups like the VHP and the Bajrang Dal made good on their threat to disrupt celebrations on Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary, they clashed violently with the police in Madikeri, Karnataka.

Members of right wing groups, including the BJP, boycotted the event, claiming that Tipu Sultan was a ‘religious bigot’, who tormented the lives of the Hindus he ruled. Protesters clashed violently with the police and were lathi charged in an attempt to contain the violence. There are unconfirmed reports of buses being burnt.