"We condemn the brutal killing of a Hindu, staging a peaceful demonstration, by a mob," VHP international working president Praveen Togadia said in a statement.
Togadia was referring to the death of a 50-year-old man, said to be associated with the VHP, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash that broke out in Madikeri town during a demonstration against the celebration of the birth anniversary of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.
At Madikeri, violence erupted when a group taking out "Tipu Sultan Jayanti" procession came face to face with a agitators protesting the celebrations.
Both sides indulged in heavy stone-pelting before police intervention brought the situation under control.