Has the Probe Against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Hit a Dead End?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investigation against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil faces obstacles due to retraction of victim statements.
- Allegations involve serious claims of sexual misconduct and forced abortion.
- Political dynamics within the Congress party are shifting amid these developments.
- The Crime Branch's ability to pursue charges is heavily reliant on victim cooperation.
- Local Congress leaders are rallying to protect the MLA's position amid the controversy.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 (NationPress) The inquiry into Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil seems to have come to an impasse, as all the alleged victims who previously stepped forward against him have now chosen to withdraw their interest in pursuing the matter.
Two women, who had previously made claims of sexual misconduct against the MLA, have since communicated to investigators that they are no longer interested in providing statements.
Furthermore, the woman who allegedly experienced a forced abortion has also opted not to advance her complaint.
With the complainants retracting their statements, the investigation has effectively reached a standstill.
The FIR was initially filed based on information provided by third parties.
Investigators had obtained documents from a private hospital in Bengaluru that reportedly link Rahul Mamkootathil to facilitating an abortion for one of the women.
Reports had suggested that the investigation team would travel to Bengaluru to obtain additional records and directly take the victim's testimony.
Officials had indicated that should she choose to provide a statement, a new case could potentially be filed against the MLA.
However, current indications show that she has also decided to withdraw.
Without the victims' testimonies, the Crime Branch is unable to pursue more severe charges.
Meanwhile, discussions within the Palakkad District Congress Committee (DCC) have intensified regarding efforts to reintegrate the MLA into his constituency. Local leaders believe that the political landscape has shifted and that the MLA's support base has expanded, particularly on social media.
The president of the Palakkad DCC stated that party members would rally to support Rahul Mamkootathil if instructed by the KPCC, adding that any protests could be managed.
He has been overseeing party matters from his residence in Adoor amid the allegations of sexual misconduct.
The DCC has called on the KPCC to reach a final conclusion.
All attention is on the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, V. D. Satheesan, who has taken a firm stance against the first-time MLA.