Thiruvananthapuram: Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, facing a rape complaint, applied to the Thiruvananthapuram District Court for anticipatory bail on Friday, while Kerala Police moved to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a thorough probe into the case.
In his court petition, the Congress legislator argued that the allegations stem from a long-standing friendship with the complainant, asserting that claims of rape and coercion to abort are wholly untrue. He characterised the charges as fabricated and politically motivated, designed to harm his public image. Rahul also stated his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The controversy dates back to August, after which Rahul was ousted from his Youth Congress presidency and suspended from the party.
As the investigation gains momentum, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose will head the SIT. The team is expected to include both a Deputy Commissioner of Police and an Assistant Commissioner, with the official list due to be announced by the Additional Director General of Police for law and order.
The FIR, initially lodged under Thiruvananthapuram Rural, has since moved to Nemom Police Station after it was determined the alleged incident occurred within its remit. Police in Nemom have recorded a confidential statement from the complainant.
Rahul’s legal petition describes the police’s “unusually swift” actions as evidence of political pressure, suggesting an effort to speed up proceedings. With both the legal case and its political ramifications gathering pace, immediate attention is on the court’s decision regarding anticipatory bail and the SIT’s forthcoming measures.
Earlier on Friday, police issued a lookout notice for Rahul Mamkootathil.
(Inputs from IANS)