Riots after death of Hindu activist leave more than 20 injured in India

India has mobilized hundreds of security personnel in a southern district of the country after riots following the death of a Hindu activist left at least 20 injured, burned vehicles and destroyed shops.

The state of Karnataka is under tension over an attempt to ban the wearing of the hijab in secondary schools, currently under review by the local High Court.

In this context, the murder of a member of the Hindu nationalist group in the town of Shivamogga provoked a wave of violence.

The late activist advocated for the protection of cows, which are sacred to Hindus, and was widely criticized for posting a video of a pig in a mosque on social media, considered offensive to Muslims.

Violence rocked Shivamogga during the funeral procession of the dead activist, despite authorities imposing a curfew.

The riots turned into looting and vandalism and there are reports of a mob throwing stones at businesses believed to be run by Muslims.

Police fired shots into the air and used tear gas to control the crowd.