Congress expels MLA Rahul Mamkootathil amid rape case allegations
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Kerala: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Thursday expelled Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party amid a serial sexual predation scandal that has overshadowed the United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition in Kerala since August.
The decision comes shortly after a district court in Thiruvananthapuram rejected Mamkootathil’s anticipatory bail plea in a rape and coerced termination of pregnancy case, filed last Thursday by a woman acquaintance of the MLA.
KPCC President Sunny Joseph said in a press release that Mamkootathil’s continuation in the party had become “ethically untenable” due to the gravity of the allegations. Rahul, who was already under suspension, has now been removed from the party’s primary membership based on complaints and registered cases against him.
Senior Congress leaders had previously demanded his removal after the woman directly filed a complaint and gave her statement to the police, prompting the registration of a case. With local elections approaching, the Rahul issue had put the Congress leadership on the defensive, leading to the decision to expel him. The KPCC president then informed the High Command, and following the court’s rejection of the bail plea, the official notice of expulsion was issued.
The Thiruvananthapuram District Principal Sessions Court rejected Rahul’s anticipatory bail, noting prima facie evidence against him and ruling that an arrest could not be prevented. On Wednesday, his bail petition was heard by Judge S. Naseer, with the court approving a closed-door hearing at the request of both parties.
During the proceedings, the judge, prosecutor, defense lawyers, and a court staff member were present. After about one and a half hours of arguments, the hearing was adjourned for further examination of additional documents.
Rahul claimed he had no relationship with the woman, denied committing rape or abortion, and argued the case was politically motivated, submitting digital evidence under sealed cover. However, the investigation team presented strong evidence against him, leading the court to adjourn the case for further arguments.