Will the Court Grant Bail to Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The court has reserved its order on the bail plea.
- Coercive action against the accused is prohibited until the ruling.
- The complainant alleges serious sexual assault.
- Digital evidence has been submitted to support claims.
- Legal and political implications are significant.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 8 (NationPress) A local court on Monday has reserved its ruling on Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's anticipatory bail application concerning the second sexual assault case against him. In the meantime, the court issued an oral instruction to the investigative team to refrain from taking any coercive or serious measures against the accused until the judgment is delivered on Wednesday.
This relief comes amid heightened legal scrutiny and police action following the filing of a second case based on a new allegation of rape.
The complainant has provided a comprehensive statement to the police, claiming that she was sexually assaulted despite her pleas for mercy and attempts to physically cling to the accused in a bid to escape.
Her account indicates that continuous threats and ongoing intimidation prevented her from coming forward sooner.
The statement was recorded by SP Poonguzhali, with both her testimony and supporting digital evidence presented to the court.
This second allegation follows multiple accusations that Rahul, after establishing a relationship with the complainant under the pretense of marriage, allegedly lured her to a homestay where he assaulted her.
The survivor has submitted digital proof, including WhatsApp conversations, voice messages, and other electronic documentation, to substantiate her claims.
This relief for Rahul Mamkootathil follows the High Court's decision last week to delay his arrest in the first sexual assault case until the 15th of this month.
Rahul Mamkootathil's legal counsel contended that the allegations are politically charged and lack credibility, whereas the prosecution vehemently opposed any pre-arrest relief, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the existence of corroborative digital evidence.
Meanwhile, police are actively trying to locate the Congress leader, who has been eluding capture since he went into hiding on the 27th of last month.
A new special team has been established following suspicions of information leaks from previous search operations.
The first team, which conducted searches for over a week, has returned from Karnataka.
The new team is anticipated to resume operations shortly.