Palakkad (Kerala), Dec 10 (NationPress) The anticipation is rising regarding whether the expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, currently embroiled in two distinct rape allegations, will make his appearance in the city on election day to utilize his voting rights in the local body elections, particularly after having been granted anticipatory bail in the second case.

Reports suggest that Mamkootathil, who has been in hiding for the last two weeks, is expected to return to Palakkad on Thursday to vote at St. Sebastian’s School, located in Kunnathurmedu, where he is registered to vote in Booth No. 2 of Ward No. 24 under the Palakkad Municipality.

This speculation follows a significant legal development when the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court approved Mamkootathil's anticipatory bail under stringent conditions in the second rape case.

The court's ruling mandates that he must report to the investigating officer every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and fully cooperate with the investigation.

Furthermore, the court stated that if he were to be arrested in the second case, he should be released on bail without delay.

The allegations date back to November 27, when a young woman lodged a complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing Mamkootathil of sexual assault.

Following the emergence of the complaint, the MLA reportedly went underground, prompting a police search.

His party, Congress, which had previously suspended him, has since expelled him.

In this case, the Kerala High Court ruled last week that he should not be arrested until his bail application is resolved on December 15.

With bail secured in the second case, there are signs that Mamkootathil might publicly emerge, starting with his participation in the local body elections.

Police officials noted that they can only record his arrest in the first case if the High Court lifts the stay on arrest or denies his bail request.

Until that time, Mamkootathil enjoys protection under court orders in both cases.

Meanwhile, the police have ramped up the investigation and added further charges, including those related to stalking, unlawful restraint, and criminal trespass.

Concurrently, the prosecution announced on Wednesday its intention to contest the sessions court’s bail decision in the second rape case.

Officials confirmed that an appeal will be filed with the higher court as soon as the certified copy of the ruling is obtained.

As polling day nears, all eyes are on Palakkad to see if Mamkootathil will indeed appear at the polling booth and how the ongoing legal battle will influence the subsequent developments in the case.