The development comes on the heels of demonetisation.

Domestic sales were at 1,59,109 units as compared to 1,73,760 units in the same month last year, down 8.43%, the company said in a statement.

Known for their legendary racing achievements, KTM is Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and dominates the off-road segment across the world.

Both the new bikes are compliant to BS-IV emission norms, Bajaj Auto said in a statement.

Its motorcycle sales fell 16% while the sales of its commercial vehicles fell 27%. The total domestic sales were down 16%. Exports were also down.

A protester, 48-year-old Chandramohan from Jaihindpuram, also died due to dehydration in Madurai city when he was taking part in a demonstration, along with students and youths.

Bajaj owns 49 per cent stake in the Vienna Stock Exchange-listed KTM since 2013. The Pune-based company had started investing in the Austrian bikemaker since 2007 when it was struggling with cash flow issues and since then has been manufacturing the KTM bikes at its Chakan, Pune plant and also meeting all its export demand except for the European markets.

At a launch event in Pune, Bajaj Auto launched the KTM RC 390 at Rs 2.25 lakh and the KTM RC 200 at Rs 1.71 lakh (both prices, ex-Delhi).

According to Pawar, the management had deliberately transferred active union members and given false charge sheets and show cause letters to the workers.

Motorcycle sales during the month decreased by 18 per cent to 2,03,312 units from 2,47,782 units in the same month in 2015, the company said in a regulatory filing.