Pathanamthitta: The bail hearing for expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil gained intensity on Monday as leaked WhatsApp chats, abortion allegations, and threat messages further complicated his defence in multiple sexual assault cases.
Arrested Sunday night in a third case while on bail in two prior ones, the Palakkad legislator faces 14 days' judicial remand. His plea maintains the relationships were consensual, claiming the latest complainant hid her marital status and acted voluntarily as an adult.
Investigators counter with digital evidence showing alleged financial exploitation, including pressure to buy a luxury Palakkad flat and fund a UK trip, alongside coercion into abortion after initial promises of fatherhood. The complainant offers DNA testing, which Mamkootathil reportedly dodged.
Most damaging are threat messages where he allegedly warned of retaliation "in the same coin," claimed he had "nothing left to lose," and threatened to confront her at home with others, raising fears of witness intimidation if bailed.
Legal observers note that coerced abortion constitutes a serious offence even in consensual scenarios, undermining claims of mutual agreement.
(Inputs from IANS)