In a significant legal development, Palakkad legislator Rahul Mamkootathil has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail. This move comes just a day after the Thiruvananthapuram sessions court dismissed a similar plea on Thursday. The case, registered at Nemom police station, involves grave charges including rape and coerced termination of pregnancy.
Legal Battle Intensifies for the Legislator
The bench of Justice K Babu is scheduled to consider the fresh plea on Saturday. The initial case was filed based on a complaint submitted directly to the Chief Minister's office, which was subsequently forwarded to the police for investigation. In his petition to the High Court, the MLA has categorically denied all allegations, asserting his innocence and expressing willingness to cooperate with the investigative process without attempting to evade arrest.
MLA's Version of Events and Allegations
Rahul Mamkootathil presented his narrative in the court documents, stating he was in a close relationship with the complainant, who is separated from her husband. He claimed that the woman once informed him that her employers, upon her return from long leave, demanded a written explanation. This explanation needed to state that her relationship with the petitioner and subsequent differences were the reason for her absence, failing which she would not be allowed to resume work.
The situation escalated, according to the MLA, when private voice clips of their conversations were leaked on social media platforms. This breach created severe trust issues between them. The complainant reportedly grew extremely anxious about her privacy and began suspecting him of being responsible for the leak, leading to disputes.
Political Motives and Media Pressure Cited
The petition further argues that both parties initially decided against publicizing the issue and chose to wait. However, due to intervention from media and social media, what he terms "wild materials" were circulated publicly. As a politician, Mamkootathil alleged that certain elements are attempting to exploit the situation for political gains, especially with elections on the horizon.
He contended that the complainant, distressed by the intense media scrutiny, felt compelled to disown their relationship to protect herself, which ultimately led to the filing of the present case. The MLA also claimed to possess communication records that could support his version but stated he needs time to produce them. He alleged that the police are pursuing him under political influence rather than following due procedure.
The legal proceedings are being closely watched, as the outcome will have significant implications for the political figure and the ongoing investigation. The High Court's decision on Saturday will determine the next course of action in this high-profile case.
