Tension in Karnataka's Shivamogga over Veer Savarkar portrait at shopping mall, prohibitory orders imposed

Shivamogga: A 26-year-old youth named Prem Singh on Monday was attacked with a knife at Gandhi Bazar area of the city, according to the police.

Some unknown assailants have committed this crime and Singh has been admitted to the hospital.

The police are investigating whether the attack on Singh amidst controversy surrounding Veer Savarkar's picture.

The police have launched a manhunt for the attackers and imposed prohibitory orders in parts of Shivamogga district.

Prior to this incident, a controversy was triggered after a portrait of Savarkar was placed among freedom fighters outside a mall, leading to protests on Saturday.

The picture was removed by the mall authorities after some people disapproved of Savarkar's portrait among the league of freedom fighters at the mall.

Initially the mall authorities refused to oblige which led the protesting people to stage a dharna outside the building.

In an attempt to soften the brewing tension, the mall authorities dismantled the portrait, leading to BJP workers demanding restoration of it.

This row has cropped up amidst "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign ahead of the 75th Independence Day. (UNI)