Writer Perumal Murugan is dead, says Tamil author after being forced to give up writing

Chennai: Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan has announced his decision to give up writing, stating there will be continuing controversy over his novels and short stories fanned by various outfits and individuals. In a posting on his Facebook page, Murugan said: “Writer Perumal Murugan is dead. He will continue to live as a teacher.” Thanking those who stood in support of him in connection with the controversy surrounding his novel “Madhorubhagan”, he said the issue is not going to end with this. [caption id=“attachment_2045085” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Perumal Murugan. Image courtesy: author’s Facebook page.[/caption] According to him, various organisations or individuals would take up any of his books and create a controversy. Murugan said he is recalling all his books, novels and articles and none of his books will be on sale. He also requested the publishers not to sell his books and promised them to compensate the loss suffered owing to this. Murugan said those who had bought his books can consign them to flames. He said if they felt that they had suffered a loss then they can return the books to him and get compensated. He also urged people not to invite him for any literacy functions. Various organisations, caste outfits in his home town Thiruchengodu, around 410 km from here, protested against his novel “Madorubhagan”, whose story revolves around the problems faced by a childless peasant couple and the woman’s attempt to get pregnant following a tradition of consensual sex with a stranger. IANS