Cultural activists demand end to threats against Sunny M. Kapikad and family

A group of cultural activists have come out strongly against "a sustained campaign of online abuse, sexual harassment and death threats” against social activist Sunny M. Kapikad and members of his family.

In a public statement, the activists alleged that organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar and their supporters had been targeting Mr. Kapikad through social media, extending the attacks to his wife, daughters, young grandchildren and even his deceased parents.

The statement described the alleged sexual abuse, obscene messages and threats of violence against the family as “deeply condemnable” and demanded immediate intervention by the government.

The activists said the latest controversy followed a speech by Mr. Kapikad at a protest organised by a research scholar of Malayalam University who had alleged caste discrimination. According to the statement, Mr. Kapikad had unconditionally expressed regret over a slip of the tongue during his speech.