Thiruvalla, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Thiruvalla Magistrate Court denied bail on Saturday to expelled Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil, marking a serious blow to the former MLA who has been detained since his apprehension earlier this week linked to a rape case.

With the bail request rejected, Mamkootathil will remain incarcerated at the Mavelikkara sub-jail while his legal representatives prepare to approach the Pathanamthitta district court for relief.

The prosecution vehemently opposed the bail request, labeling Mamkootathil as a “habitual offender” and highlighting that he has previously secured temporary relief from the High Court in two similar allegations.

Furthermore, prosecutors informed the court of a substantial possibility of additional complaints arising, arguing that allowing bail at this juncture could hinder the investigation and pose a risk to witnesses.

This ruling followed a day after the court concluded its hearings on the bail request and reserved its judgment.

The hearing on Friday was conducted in a closed courtroom, following a request from the prosecution due to the sensitive nature of the case.

It is understood that the court considered a comprehensive report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently investigating the allegations.

During the hearing, the prosecution revealed that multiple allegations have been raised against Mamkootathil, with at least two additional sexual assault cases pending against him.

Procedures to record the confidential statement of the complainant are reportedly underway.

Evidence presented in court included chat records between the accused and the complainant.

In defense, it was argued that the relationship was consensual and that Mamkootathil, as a former public official, does not pose a flight risk and would cooperate with the investigation if granted bail.

In the meantime, this case has sparked a larger controversy.

Screenshots of purported WhatsApp conversations between Mamkootathil and the complainant were released by his associate Fenny Ninan, resulting in the Pathanamthitta Cyber Police initiating a case against Ninan for cyber harassment.

Another Congress member, Renjitha Pulickal, was also detained for allegedly posting content targeting the complainant.

Mamkootathil was arrested at midnight on January 11 at a hotel in Palakkad.

Since then, he has been in police and judicial custody as investigators have taken him to various locations related to the case, including a hotel in Thiruvalla and his residence in Pathanamthitta district.