Today, the Kerala High Court began examining the State government's plea challenging a trial court order granting anticipatory bail to MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the second rape case registered against him.
The State government moved the High Court questioning the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail to Mamkootathil. The order was passed by District and Sessions Judge Nazeera S, who had earlier refused him anticipatory bail in a separate rape case.
The present FIR stems from a complaint forwarded by KPCC President Sunny Joseph to the State Police Chief, based on an email sent by the alleged survivor. She accused Mamkootathil of calling her to a resort in 2023 under the guise of discussing a marriage proposal, taking her to an isolated homestay with a friend, and sexually assaulting her, causing multiple injuries.
Following the complaint, the Crime Branch registered a rape case and launched an investigation. Before the Sessions Court, Mamkootathil denied all allegations, claiming they were fabricated, politically driven, and unsupported by evidence. He contended that the accusations were part of a campaign to destroy his public reputation.
The Congress party suspended him in August after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. He later resigned as Youth Congress Chief and was subsequently expelled from the party, though he continues to serve as MLA from Palakkad. The High Court had earlier stayed his arrest in another rape case involving a journalist.
The State argued that the Trial Court erred in granting anticipatory bail despite the seriousness of the accusations, the complainant’s detailed version, and the ongoing investigation. The Government maintained that custodial interrogation was essential.
The matter also unfolds against a backdrop of multiple allegations against the legislator and ongoing internal action within the Congress party, which the prosecution argues underscores the gravity of the accusations. The Court has begun hearing the State’s challenge and has reserved further consideration. A final order on the anticipatory bail challenge is awaited.
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