RSS worker succumbs to stab injuries in Mangaluru; security tightened

An RSS activist, who was allegedly stabbed by an unidentified group at Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district, succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital here, prompting police to tighten security in the region.

Sarath Madivala, 28, a resident of  Kandur near Bantwal, was battling for life for three days at the hospital after the attack on July 4.

He died last evening, hospital sources said.

RSS leaders and workers thronged the hospital in large numbers on hearing the news of the death.

The RSS worker was attacked on the night of July 4 when he was about to leave home after closing his laundry shop at BC Road.

After being taken to a nearby hospital by locals, he was later shifted to a private hospital in the city.

Defying prohibitory orders, Hindu organisations and the BJP had yesterday staged a protest at Bantwal protesting the attack.

BJP leaders, including MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shobha Karandlaje, were arrested during the protest and later released.

Police said security has been tightened in the communally sensitive district following the worker's death.

Prohibitory orders are in force till July 11 in Puttur, Sullia, Belthangady and Bantwal in coastal Dakshina Kannada district following recent communal clashes in some areas, according to the police.

The orders were initially enforced in Bantwal from May 27 following skirmishes between two groups. Later, it was extended to the four taluks as violence spread.

The murder of a Social Democratic Party of India worker at Benjanapadavu in Bantwal on June 21 further escalated the tension forcing authorities to extend prohibitory orders.