Kerala : District Court Grants Bail to Expelled Congress MLA in Rape Case
Kerala: The Pathanamthitta District Court in Kerala on Tuesday granted bail to expelled Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with a sexual assault case, marking a key development in the third complaint registered against him. The court’s decision came on the 18th day after his arrest, bringing temporary relief to the former MLA as investigations continue.
Bail Granted After Weeks in Custody
The district court considered Mamkootathil’s bail plea after he had remained in judicial custody for over two weeks. This was the third time he sought bail in the matter, following the rejection of an earlier application by a lower court. The judge allowed his release subject to conditions, which are expected to ensure his cooperation with the ongoing investigation and prevent any interference with witnesses.
Earlier Bail Plea Rejected by Magistrate Court
On January 17, the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvalla had refused to grant bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the early stage of the investigation. That decision resulted in Mamkootathil continuing in custody while the prosecution pressed ahead with its inquiry into the complaint.
Background of Multiple Complaints
The expelled Congress MLA has faced three separate sexual assault complaints in recent months. While he had earlier secured relief from arrest in the first two cases, the third complaint led to his arrest and remand. The courts had previously taken a different view in the earlier matters, allowing him protection from immediate custody while investigations proceeded.
Allegations Linked to Promise of Marriage
According to the prosecution, the third case is based on allegations that Mamkootathil sexually assaulted a woman after allegedly inviting her to a hotel on the assurance of marriage. Investigators have stated that the complaint includes accusations of physical abuse and financial exploitation. The woman has also alleged that she was subjected to a forced abortion, adding to the gravity of the case.
Closed-Door Hearing to Protect Survivor
During earlier bail proceedings, the magistrate court had conducted the hearing in camera to safeguard the survivor’s identity. The move followed a request from Assistant Public Prosecutor M G Devi, who argued that public proceedings could risk disclosure of sensitive details. After seeking the defence counsel’s view, the court ordered all unrelated individuals to leave the courtroom and heard detailed arguments before rejecting the bail plea at that stage.
Status of Other Cases Against the MLA
In the first sexual assault case, the High Court had stayed Mamkootathil’s arrest, offering him interim protection. In the second complaint, a trial court granted anticipatory bail. These decisions allowed him to remain out of custody in those matters, even as police continued their investigations.
Investigation Shifted to Crime Branch
On December 12, the Kerala government ordered the transfer of the probe in the first alleged rape case to the State Police Crime Branch. The investigation had earlier been handled by the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner’s office. With this move, both cases registered against the expelled MLA are now being supervised by Assistant Inspector General of Police Poonguzhali, who was already overseeing the second case.
Legal Proceedings Continue
While the district court’s order allows Mamkootathil temporary freedom in the third case, legal proceedings in all three complaints are ongoing. Authorities have indicated that further questioning and evidence collection will continue as per law. The outcome of the investigations and future court hearings will determine the next course of action in the high-profile case.