Young writer attacked over book title

Assaulters said the title Padachonte Chitrapradarshanam misinterpreted Islam’s tenets

Writer P. Jimshar sustained serious injuries to his backbone and hands in the attack.

Upcoming Malayalam short story writer P. Jimshar was assaulted by a group of alleged Islamic fundamentalists on Sunday night at Koonamuchi Junction near Koottanad here.

According to the Chalissery police, who have registered a case of attempt to murder against four unidentified assailants, the attack was carried out after questioning the 26-year-old about the title of his forthcoming book Padachonte Chitrapradarshanam , (roughly, the creator’s painting exhibition).

The attackers allegedly told the writer before setting upon him that the usage misinterpreted the basic tenets of Islam. Nobody has the power to ‘misuse or drag the name of the creator’ while engaging in literary activities, the gang allegedly told him. Mr. Jimshar, who sustained serious injuries to his backbone and hands, is now recovering at a private nursing home at Koottanad.

He told

The Hindu that the assault occurred around 11 p.m. He was waiting for a bus to reach home at Perumbilavu in Thrissur after meeting his relatives at Koonamuchi.

The gang arrived on a couple of two-wheelers and started attacking him after confirming with him that he was the author of the book, which is to be released by DC Books on August 5 at a function in Ernakulam.

Nine short stories

The book was a collection of nine short stories that had appeared earlier in different literary magazines, said Mr. Jimshar.

He also said the story in question with the ‘objectionable title’ had nothing to do with religion or faith. He said he had been getting threats online since Friday after he posted the cover of the book on WhatsApp and Facebook. Many of his social media followers who identified themselves as protectors of Islam had threatened him with dire consequences if he refused to change the title of the book, he said.

Found unconscious

The police are now probing the origin of the hate campaign against Mr. Jimshar on social media. Mr. Jimshar was found unconscious after the attack by an autorickshaw driver, who took him to the hospital after midnight. The police said preliminary indications suggested that the attack was carried out by members of a radical organisation.