Kochi:
The Kerala lecturer whose right hand was chopped off by radicals of the Popular Front of India (PFI) outfit has been removed from service by college authorities.
The management of the Christian-run New Man college informed T J Joseph that he has been removed from service effective from September 1 on the grounds of hurting religious sentiments of a certain community, college sources said.
Reacting to the management's decision, Joseph said this was an unexpected blow to him and his family.
"I have not thought of any legal action so far against the management", he said.
Kerala's Education Minister MA Baby has told NDTV that this is excessive use of authority by the college administration.
"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," said Baby.
PFI activists had hacked Joseph's right hand on July 4 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.
So far 30 people have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The lecturer, whose severed hand was sutured, has injuries all over his body and is now recovering at his residence at Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district.
The college authorities had issued a show cause notice to Joseph asking why he should not be removed from service for hurting the religious sentiments of a section of people.
Though Joseph had replied to the notice, the management was not convinced.
(With PTI inputs)