What’s Next for Rahul Mamkootathil After Court Denies Bail in Rape Case?
Court Decision on Rahul Mamkootathil's Bail Request
In a significant ruling, the Thiruvalla Magistrate Court denied bail to Rahul Mamkootathil, a former Congress MLA, who has been in custody since his arrest earlier this week related to a rape allegation.
With the bail request rejected, Mamkootathil will remain at the Mavelikkara sub-jail while his legal team prepares to appeal to the Pathanamthitta district court for relief.
The prosecution opposed the bail, labeling Mamkootathil as a 'habitual offender' and highlighting that he had previously received temporary relief from the High Court in two similar cases.
Prosecutors argued that there is a strong possibility of additional complaints emerging, asserting that granting bail could hinder the investigation and intimidate potential witnesses.
The court's decision followed a day of arguments on the bail application, which concluded with the court reserving its ruling.
The hearing took place in a closed courtroom, as requested by the prosecution due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
The court reportedly considered a comprehensive report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is investigating the claims.
During the proceedings, the prosecution revealed that multiple complaints have been filed against Mamkootathil, with at least two other sexual assault cases pending.
They also mentioned that steps were being taken to document the complainant's confidential statement.
Evidence presented in court included chat records between Mamkootathil and the complainant.
The defense argued that the relationship was consensual and claimed that Mamkootathil, as a former public figure, posed no threat and would cooperate with the investigation if granted bail.
This case has sparked broader controversy, with screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations between Mamkootathil and the complainant being shared publicly by his friend, Fenny Ninan, leading to a cyber harassment case against Ninan by the Pathanamthitta Cyber Police.
Additionally, another Congress member, Renjitha Pulickal, was arrested for allegedly posting content aimed at the complainant.
Mamkootathil was taken into custody at midnight on January 11 from a hotel in Palakkad and has since been held in police and judicial custody as investigators have taken him to various locations relevant to the case, including a hotel in Thiruvalla and his home in Pathanamthitta district.