BJP, Left youth wing protest against Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil

Thiruvananthapuram: Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the CPI(M) youth wing, staged separate protests on Sunday against Rahul Mamkootathil, the expelled Congress MLA who was detained in relation to a rape case.

The protest broke out when the police took the detained MLA—who had previously served as the president of the Youth Congress Kerala—to the Pathanamthitta district general hospital for a required medical examination after questioning him.

As the police vehicle arrived at the hospital premises, activists from the youth organisations surrounded it, raising loud slogans and shouting accusations against the MLA.

Protesters were heard questioning why an individual facing multiple serious criminal allegations continued to enjoy political patronage and protection.

“This is not the first or second case, but the third one. Why is such a person being shielded?” the protesters shouted, demanding strict legal action, IANS reported.

The situation soon escalated, prompting the police to deploy heavy security.

Amidst intense sloganeering, officers managed to escort Rahul Mamkootathil out of the police vehicle and into the hospital under tight protection.

Brief scuffles reportedly broke out between the police and protesters as authorities attempted to clear the area and prevent further unrest.

Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested dramatically in connection with what police say is the third rape case registered against him. He was taken into custody from a hotel in Palakkad around 12.30 a.m. on Sunday.

After being detained, he was brought to the Pathanamthitta AR Camp for questioning. The interrogation was conducted by a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of DIG G. Poonguzhali.

According to police sources, the case is based on a complaint filed via email by a woman from Pathanamthitta district. The complainant has levelled grave allegations against the MLA, including brutal sexual assault, forced abortion, and prolonged financial exploitation.

Police officials stated that the accusations are serious in nature and that the investigation is being carried out with due diligence, given the sensitivity of the case and the public attention it has drawn.

The arrest and subsequent protests have intensified political tensions in the district, with calls growing louder for accountability and an impartial probe. Authorities have assured that law and order will be maintained and that no one will be spared if found guilty, irrespective of political stature.