Kochi, Aug 28 (PTI) Dalit activist Sunny M Kapikkad on Friday apologised for his alleged derogatory remarks against Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Malikappurathamma after Kerala Police registered a case against him.
During a recent event at an educational institution, Kapikkad allegedly used sexually derogatory language while referring to Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Malikappurathamma.
BJP leaders, voluntary organisations associated with Sabarimala and activist Rahul Easwar on Thursday filed complaints with the police seeking registration of a case against Kapikkad.
The BJP leaders also urged the chief minister to examine the full video of the alleged remarks and their context and initiate legal action.
Responding to a question on why no action has been taken against Kappikad so far, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Friday told reporters, “A case has already been registered.” By afternoon, Kappikad told a TV channel that his criticism was directed towards Sangh Parivar forces, who he claims are engaging in widespread false propaganda centred around temples and faith—and are trying to establish a new politics aimed at building a Hindu Rashtra.
“Listening to them, one would think Lord Ayyappa’s celibacy is so fragile that it would shatter at the mere sight of women. This was the remark I made,” he said.
He admitted that he made a mistake in using certain words in his remarks.
“In that remark, I used the word ‘rape.’ That was a mistake, and I believe there was absolutely no need to use that word. Furthermore, I express my deep and sincere regret to the people of Kerala. I can only exercise caution in such matters,” he said.
He said that his other criticism on managing the Sabarimala temple remains relevant, referring to the gold loss case in which temple authorities and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials are accused.
“Fundamentally, we must realise that those named as accused are supposed to be the protectors of Lord Ayyappa—the Thanthri, the Devaswom Board Presidents, and Devaswom Board officials. These are the very people acting as the custodians of Lord Ayyappa,” he said. PTI TBA TBA ADB
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