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

Social activist Sunny M. Kapikad 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.‘Regret expressed’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.The signatories maintained that his remarks were aimed at exposing what they described as the commercialisation of faith and alleged financial irregularities and exploitation associated with religious institutions. They said anyone who listened to the speech in its entirety would understand the context of his criticism.The statement also linked the present attacks to Mr. Kapikad’s earlier support for the Supreme Court verdict permitting the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.‘Silencing dissent’According to the activists, the campaign against him was part of a wider attempt to silence dissenting voices and curb the constitutional right of citizens to express criticism and opinions.“The attacks are not directed at Sunny M. Kapikad alone,” the statement said, alleging that the campaign was intended to intimidate other democratic and pluralistic voices in Kerala as well.The cultural activists called upon Kerala society to collectively resist what they described as the intimidation and harassment of Mr. Kapikad and his family. They urged the government to take stringent action against those responsible for alleged death threats and sexual threats, and to ensure adequate security for Mr. Kapikad and his family. Published - September 02, 2026 07:12 pm IST