AMN /
VHP and BJP sponsored agitation against alleged murder of VHP leader Devapanda Kotappa at Madikeri in Kodagu on November 10 turned violent today as activists indulged in stones pelting damaging State run Buses at several parts of Karnataka . Another person also was killed in firing by unidentified people on the tenth.
Bus services were suspended in Mysuru, Hassan, Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada and in several places. Agitators shouted slogans against Siddaramaiah Government and burnt tyres on the roads.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC were clamped in several districts including Hassan where violence was reported.
Shops and business establishments remained closed at Dakshina Kannada, Hassan and several private schools declared holiday as precautionary measure.
The agitation was also against Jnanpeeth awardee Girish Karnada’s statement that if Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan’s name had been kept instead of Kempegowda for International Airport it would have been appropriate. However, following widespread criticism, the noted writer and actor apologized for his statement saying it was his personal opinion.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the residence of Mr. Girish Karnad in Bengaluru as he is reported to have received death threats from some elements for his remark. Police also intensified enquiries into the death threat received by Mysore MP Prathap Simha of BJP.
Following the statewide bandh call given by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal today in Mysore, almost all private educational institutions remain closed. A few Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Bus service was available. The main market areas, D Devraj Road, Ashok Road, Sayaji Rao Road shop are closed.