Will Congress MLA Mamkootathil Avoid Arrest in the 2nd Sexual Assault Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court denies interim protection from arrest.
- MLA Mamkootathil argues allegations are politically motivated.
- The case emphasizes the intersection of law and politics.
- Anticipatory bail plea hearing scheduled for Monday.
- Prosecution challenges the protective order request.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court on Saturday refused to provide interim protection from arrest to Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil concerning the second sexual assault case filed against him. The court has scheduled a detailed hearing for his anticipatory bail plea on Monday.
The MLA sought the court's intervention to prevent his arrest, claiming that the allegation was politically motivated and strategically timed with the approaching local body elections.
His legal counsel argued that the FIR lacked clarity regarding the complainant’s identity and the specifics of the alleged incident, noting that even the email through which the complaint was filed was deficient in crucial details.
The defence asserted that the case bore significant political implications and requested the court to delay his arrest until a thorough examination of all elements could take place.
Moreover, they contended that the complaint was lodged “without any description of events” during a politically charged period.
Conversely, the prosecution strongly opposed this plea, highlighting that it was the president of Mamkootathil's own political party who had sent the complaint directly to the DGP.
The prosecution maintained that the court should not issue a protective order without first reviewing the complainant's statement and the corresponding police report.
The court has indicated that it will conduct a comprehensive hearing of both parties before reaching a final verdict.
This development follows the Kerala High Court's decision to grant protection from arrest to Mamkootathil in the initial sexual assault case, prompting him to seek anticipatory bail in the second case as well.
The first case, which involves accusations of sexual exploitation under the pretense of a marriage promise, is set to be revisited by the High Court on December 15.
The court has requested reports from the Special Investigation Team and the police.
The second complaint alleges that Mamkootathil, in conjunction with a friend, transported the woman to a homestay where she was sexually assaulted.
The complainant revealed that she had previously refrained from contacting law enforcement due to fear.
Notably, Mamkootathil has been evading law enforcement for the past 10 days, and with the court denying him protective measures in this case, he is likely to persist in eluding capture.