Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3 (NationPress) A court has announced it will withhold its decision on the anticipatory bail request from Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing allegations of sexual assault and coercing a woman into an unsafe abortion.

Following a 90-minute closed hearing, the court stated that it will issue orders after reviewing a complicated array of documents.

Prior to the hearing, the courtroom was cleared to maintain the confidentiality of the sensitive proceedings, which have sparked significant political unrest in the state.

Mamkootathil's legal team claimed the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation, alleging a conspiracy involving the CPI(M) and BJP.

They asserted that the relationship in question was consensual and that the pregnancy was unrelated to him.

The defense also contended that the woman chose to undergo the abortion herself, arguing that the case is being utilized to distract the public from the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court has reserved its ruling and instructed the prosecution to submit an additional document.

In the interim, the Special Investigation Team has presented a comprehensive report to the court, which reportedly includes serious findings.

The report indicates that the woman was subjected to multiple instances of rape and was coerced into having an abortion.

Investigators claim they possess evidence to substantiate the allegations of sexual assault and coercion.

The prosecution has vehemently opposed the bail request, underscoring Mamkootathil's influence as a public figure.

They cautioned that if released, he might intimidate the complainant or eliminate vital evidence.

For Mamkootathil, this case has become a matter of political survival.

An unfavorable court ruling could lead to his expulsion from the party, with many members publicly urging the leadership to take such action.

In August, when this issue first emerged, the party removed him from his position as Youth Congress president and suspended him.

Despite the tightening noose around him, law enforcement has yet to locate the MLA, who is reportedly evading authorities in Bengaluru, one week after the complaint was lodged.

In her private testimony before the Neyyattinkara JFCM court, the woman recounted several instances of rape, including two in a Thiruvananthapuram apartment and later in Palakkad.

She alleged that Rahul recorded videos of the assaults and used them as a means of blackmail, along with repeated threats over the phone.

According to the prosecution, Mamkootathil's associate Joby Joseph has been implicated in the case for delivering the abortion pill and is considered a co-defendant.