Did Expelled Cong MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil Receive Bail in Rape Cases?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kochi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil in the first of three registered rape cases against him, under strict conditions. With this latest ruling, he has now achieved bail in all three allegations, having previously secured it in the other two cases.
The prosecution voiced strong opposition to the bail request, arguing that the accused had emotionally manipulated and sexually exploited his accuser, asserting that custodial interrogation was essential.
The complainant expressed to the court her fears that granting bail would endanger her life, claiming the accused had similarly harmed other women.
However, upon thoroughly reviewing the woman’s testimony, the court concluded that it could not definitively establish that rape had taken place.
The judge commented that a married woman engaging in another relationship is not inherently illegal or immoral, questioning whether bail should be denied solely based on that.
The court also stated that if it is later revealed that the accused possessed explicit images, additional charges may be applied.
Bail has been granted with stringent conditions. Mamkoottathil is required to report to the investigating officer on the 16th and must participate in questioning for three consecutive days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which time he will be considered in custody.
He must surrender his mobile device for examination, undergo medical assessments, and submit his passport.
Mamkoottathil is prohibited from leaving Kerala and is required to report to the investigating officer every second Saturday.
He is also barred from contacting, influencing, or intimidating witnesses and must refrain from committing any offenses while on bail.
This ruling is anticipated to have political implications, sparking speculation on whether Mamkoottathil will seek to retain his position in the Palakkad Assembly.