After radicals? attack, Kerala lecturer sacked

Kerala lecturer TJ Joseph, whose right hand was chopped off by radicals in July, has now been sacked by his college authorities on the grounds of hurting religious sentiments of a certain community.

Joseph was reportedly removed from service with effect from September one by authorities of Christian-run New Man College.

The sacking has come as an unexpected blow for Joseph, who had also responded to a show-cause notice earlier served by the college authorities.

The lecturer was attacked by Popular Front of India (PFI) radicals on July four while he was returning home with his family from a Church. They accused him of preparing a Malayalam question paper with alleged derogatory references to Prophet Mohammed.

He is now recovering at his residence at Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district.

Meanwhile, the state government has offered help to Joseph if he approached.

Maintaining that the college authorities action tantamount to excessive use of authority, Kerala Education minister MA Baby said, ?Joseph can appeal at the University Tribunal and explore other legal means. We will provide him with all the help if he wants to seek legal recourse.?