SIT to Seek Custody of Palakkad MLA in Sexual Assault Probe
The special investigation team (SIT) will approach the Thiruvalla judicial first class magistrate court on Tuesday. They aim to secure custody of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottahil. The MLA faces serious sexual assault allegations.
Current Custody and Legal Proceedings
Police arrested Mamkoottahil on Sunday from a hotel in Palakkad. The court remanded him to judicial custody immediately. He is currently lodged at the Mavelikkara sub jail.
The SIT plans to seek his custody for at least five days. This move is crucial for gathering evidence in the ongoing case. The case involves the alleged sexual assault of a 31-year-old woman.
This incident reportedly occurred at Club 7 Hotel in Thiruvalla on April 8, 2024. The remand report highlights disturbing details. It states the accused misused his official position to abuse women.
Bail Plea and Legal Strategy
The Thiruvalla court did not consider the bail plea filed by Mamkoottahil's counsel on Sunday. The SIT had not submitted its report to the court at that time. This procedural delay affected the bail hearing.
Legal representatives for the MLA are unlikely to oppose the SIT's custody application. Instead, they plan a different approach. They will approach the Pathanamthitta sessions court for bail once the Thiruvalla court dismisses the plea.
Political Reactions and Context
Opposition leader V D Satheesan addressed the situation publicly. He clarified there is no provision to remove an elected member from the assembly through the Ethics Committee. Speaker A N Shamseer had expressed a different opinion earlier.
Satheesan explained that loss of membership happens automatically only upon sentencing. He cited the case of LDF's Antony Raju as an example. The Congress party has already expelled Mamkoottahil. They are now distancing themselves from this new allegation.
Case Details and Previous Complaints
This marks the third sexual assault complaint against Mamkoottahil. He managed to file pre-arrest bail petitions in previous instances. However, the SIT executed a surprise arrest this time.
Police arrested him from his room at KPM Hotel in Palakkad around 12.30 am. Officers also seized a mobile phone from his possession during the arrest. The remand report suggests there are chances of him repeating similar offences.
The report further alleges he promised marriage to both married and unmarried women. He reportedly used these promises to sexually abuse them. The SIT's custody request aims to prevent any interference with evidence.
