Days after receiving death threats over social media for his campaign against the right wing narrative in the row over the entry of women to the Sabarimala temple, academic and social critic Sunil P. Elayidom found his office at the Department of Malayalam at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, vandalised on Thursday morning.

The name board outside the department, where he serves as Malayalam professor, was missing while three large cross marks in saffron were painted across the door.

On being informed by the university Registrar, a team led by Kalady sub-inspector Shojo Varghese inspected the scene. A case was registered under Indian Penal Code Sections 448 (trespass) and 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of ₹50), and Section 3 (1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Elayidom firm

Talking to The Hindu, Prof. Elayidom said he would not be cowed down by such antics and continue to do what he had been doing all along. “My opinions are borne out of convictions formed over years and not developed overnight on this issue (Sabarimala row). They cannot be changed through these threats,” he said.

Prof. Elayidom said the message behind the removal of his name-board outside his cabin was not lost on him. “The message they want to convey is very clear. They want to remove me just like they removed that board,” he said.

A few days ago Prof. Elayidom received a death threat from the Facebook page of an alleged right wing supporter who exhorted that he be stoned to death. Though he did not bother to lodge a complaint, some of the local residents petitioned the police.