Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Granted Bail in Rape Case
A Pathanamthitta Sessions Court has granted bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a rape case brought forth by a woman based in Canada, marking the third instance of the youth leader securing bail in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The MLA had spent 18 days in judicial custody while the court considered the allegations of sexual exploitation at the Club 7 Hotel in Thiruvalla. The prosecution alleges that Mamkootathil took the complainant to a room at the hotel after she booked it, and subsequently engaged in non-consensual sexual activity.
The defense team argued that the relationship was entirely consensual, attributing the complaint to recent personal disagreements. To support this claim, they presented WhatsApp chats and voice notes to the court, asserting that no rape occurred. Earlier, the Thiruvalla First Class Magistrate Court had denied bail, leading to an appeal to the Sessions Court.
Prior to this ruling, the Thiruvalla First Class Judicial Magistrate Court had also rejected a bail application, citing prima facie evidence suggesting Rahul Mamkootathil had committed rape. The magistrate specifically dismissed the defense’s argument that the physical relationship was consensual and also rejected claims that the accused was unaware the complainant was married. “The allegations against the accused are very serious,” First Class Judicial Magistrate Arundhati Dileep reportedly observed.
According to reports, the complainant alleged that when Mamkootathil arrived at the hotel, he registered under a pseudonym to avoid recognition. She further stated that the assault occurred immediately upon entering the room, resulting in a pregnancy. The complaint also included accusations of threats made by the MLA. The Thiruvalla First Class Magistrate’s Court dismissed arguments regarding the timing of the FIR, delays in the medical examination, and adherence to arrest procedures, referencing established Supreme Court precedents. The court had previously denied bail on the grounds that the MLA’s release could potentially endanger the complainant and obstruct the investigation.
The case has ignited intense political debate across Kerala, raising questions about the conduct of elected representatives. Supporters of the MLA gathered outside the court to celebrate the bail decision, while political opponents continue to call for his resignation. This legal development is seen as a significant relief for the Congress party as it prepares for upcoming local body discussions.
Rahul Mamkootathil is expected to be released from jail today following the completion of necessary legal procedures. The police investigation into the financial and personal aspects of the relationship, as outlined in the complaint, remains ongoing.
