Source The Hindu
Thiruvananthapuram, December 4, 2025 — The Principal District and Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory (pre-arrest) bail plea filed by Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is accused of rape and forced abortion.
The court — after a two-day hearing conducted partly in camera — concluded that serious evidence warrants custodial interrogation. This includes medical and hospital records, statements from treating doctors, forensic analysis of audio recordings, and alleged digital proof such as WhatsApp chats.
The prosecution argued that the accused coerced the woman into abortion without consent, administered pills through an associate, and repeatedly assaulted her under the guise of trust. The court accepted the prosecution’s concerns that releasing him on bail could hamper the ongoing investigation and possibly influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
Party expels Rahul — fresh political blow
Minutes after the court verdict, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) — under its state leadership — expelled Rahul from the party’s primary membership. The decision came as a fallout of the serious allegations and the judicial rejection of his bail plea.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the action was taken because the MLA could no longer remain part of the party given the gravity of the charges and multiple pending complaints against him.
With his expulsion — one year after assuming office in December 2024 — and now a legal order denying bail, Rahul faces mounting pressure. The party has hinted that he should consider resigning his legislative position.
Allegations and police case: what’s at issue
According to the FIR and police filings:
The complainant alleged that Rahul raped her multiple times — both in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad.
She claimed that she got pregnant and was coerced into taking abortion pills administered through an associate of Rahul. The pills were given without medical supervision, allegedly endangering her life.
There are also allegations of unauthorized recording of private images and blackmail — a second FIR has reportedly been registered recently.
The police issued a lookout notice after the FIR, accusing Rahul of being absconding. They reportedly widened their search beyond the state.
Next steps and ongoing investigation
With bail denied, the police — through a special investigation team — are likely to proceed with arrest and custodial interrogation. Investigators hope to secure evidence from digital devices, forensic analysis, and medical documentation before charges are formally framed.
Meanwhile, the political fallout continues, as the MLA’s expulsion from his party intensifies calls for his resignation. The case is likely to remain in public and media spotlight, given the severity of the allegations and growing demands for justice.
