Rahul Mamkoottathil case: Police intensify search for Palakkad MLA a day ahead of bail plea hearing

Palakkad: A day left for the anticipatory bail plea hearing, the Kerala Police have intensified efforts to arrest Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, who is absconding after a case was filed against him for rape and other offences.

Sources say that Rahul has been staying in Coimbatore for the past three days ever since the survivor has filed a complaint against him. However, there are contradictory reports about his whereabouts.

Police sources has also said that Rahul had fled from Palakkad in a car belonging to an actress who had visited Palakkad recently.

The police had earlier decided to wait for the District Sessions Court order on Rahul’s anticipatory bail plea, which will be considered on Wednesday, before proceeding with the arrest.

Teams of the Kerala Police are currently conducting searches across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Bengaluru. Special teams have been formed under the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in all districts for this purpose.

Individuals close to Rahul are under surveillance. Joby Joseph, a friend of Rahul and the second accused in the case, has also gone into hiding. Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose is leading the investigation.

Police believe Rahul is unlikely to secure bail, as the survivor has submitted a detailed statement describing the harassment she faced, including a forced abortion. In her complaint, she provided specific dates on which she was allegedly assaulted at apartments in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad. Based on her statements, the police have charged the MLA with four sections related to rape, as well as the section pertaining to the sexual harassment of a pregnant woman.

Mamkoottathil submits additional evidence 

Meanwhile, Rahul has submitted additional evidence before the court claiming innocence. The evidence submitted by his advocate includes details of WhatsApp chats, phone calls with the petitioner, and photos of the woman with her husband. Rahul has also disputed the survivor’s claim that she was married and estranged from her husband when she became pregnant. According to him, he had a close relationship with the woman, and she underwent the abortion of her own will.

It is learnt that Rahul will approach the High Court if the Sessions Court rejects his anticipatory bail plea.