T’puram: Sabarimala Karma Samithi has sought action against activist Sunny M Kapikkad over his alleged derogatory remarks concerning Lord Ayyappa, Malikappurathamma and Sabarimala traditions.In a complaint to the state police chief, Samithi general convener SJR Kumar alleged that Kapikad made a sexually and criminally degrading reference to Lord Ayyappa while discussing the traditional belief in the deity’s Naishtika Brahmacharya and the association with Malikappurathamma. The Samithi also alleged that he ridiculed temples and offerings.The complainant said the context and dissemination of the remarks warranted an investigation into whether they were made deliberately and maliciously, knowing they could wound devotees’ religious feelings.The Samithi referred to Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sought examination of sections 302 and 196, besides other relevant provisions. It requested police to secure the recording, verify the venue and circumstances, preserve electronic evidence, authenticate the transcript and question witnesses.The organisation said it was seeking lawful remedies and opposed violence, threats or extra-legal action against Kapikad.Meanwhile, BJP national executive member and former state president Kummanam Rajasekharan urged chief minister V D Satheesan to initiate legal action. He said freedom of expression did not permit insults against religious beliefs, deities or womanhood, and warned that sexually abusive language against Lord Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma could have serious consequences.Kummanam said the remarks could not be viewed as an isolated slip, citing Kapikad’s earlier positions on Sabarimala-related issues, including during the 2018 women’s entry controversy. He urged police to examine the full video and whether the statement was part of an organised effort to create religious hatred or conflict. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the state govt was showing double standards in dealing with derogatory statements against Hindu deities.
