Malayalam Writer Kamal C Chavara, who symbolically cremated his novel in protest against the jingoist nationalism, has alleged he was attacked by a Sangh Parivar activist on Sunday in Kunnamangalam near Calicut in Kerala.

Chavara said the attacker approached him and asked whether he was the one who had burnt his book on Saturday. When he replied yes, the assailant slapped him and pushed him to the floor without any provocation.

“He slapped me and hit me in the chest several times. Since he threatened me to come out of the bar for more I remained there and called the police,” he said.

The novelist alleged that the attacker was a Sangh Parivar activist and threatened that those who criticise national symbols will meet with dire consequences.

The writer, injured in the ear, was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Also read: Kerala author’s decision to burn his novel in public echoes Perumal Murugan

Kamal C Chavara has decided to withdraw his book and symbolically cremated it in protest against the fascist action by the Sangh Parivar and police high-handedness.

Kamal C Chavara, who hails from CPI(M) ruling state, was slapped with sedition charges following BJP workers complaint that his novel Smashanangalude Nottupusthakam contains derogatory portions about national anthem.

The writer was booked under section 124(A) of IPC for allegedly mocking the national anthem on December 18.