Sexual assault: Complainant to move SC over Mamkootathil getting bail

Kochi: The first complainant in the rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil has decided to approach the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s order granting him anticipatory bail. After consulting with her legal team, the woman is set to file an appeal against the relief granted to the accused.

On February 12, the High Court granted anticipatory bail to Rahul Mamkootathil in the first rape case registered against him. With this order, he has now secured bail in all three cases filed against him. The court imposed stringent conditions while granting relief, including a restriction on leaving the state, a direction to appear before the investigating officer once every two weeks, and an order to surrender his passport.

The High Court directed Rahul to appear before the investigating officer on February 16 and clarified that his appearance on that day would be treated as deemed custody. During the hearing of the anticipatory bail plea, the prosecution argued that the accused had mentally debilitated the complainant and sexually abused her, contending that anticipatory bail should not be granted. The complainant also informed the court that granting bail would pose a threat to her life and alleged that the accused had similarly molested several other women.

However, after examining the woman’s statement, the High Court observed that it could not be conclusively inferred that rape had taken place. The court further questioned how bail could be denied on the grounds cited, noting that it is not legally or morally wrong for a married woman to enter into another relationship. The court also clarified that if it is established that the accused was in possession of nude images, additional legal provisions could be invoked.

Earlier, Rahul Mamkootathil had spent 18 days in jail before being released on bail by the Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court in connection with the third rape case.