Woman Files Formal Complaint Against Suspended MLA
A woman submitted a formal sexual assault complaint to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday against suspended Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil. This significant development occurred days after an audio recording surfaced that allegedly featured a private conversation between the two individuals.
The woman approached the Chief Minister at his government secretariat office and presented her complaint along with supporting evidence. The meeting extended for approximately 45 minutes, during which Vijayan assured her of immediate and appropriate action regarding her allegations.
Evidence Submitted and Police Action Initiated
The complainant provided substantial evidence to support her claims, including a pen drive containing WhatsApp conversations and audio recordings of her alleged interactions with the Palakkad MLA. In the controversial audio clip that initially surfaced, the legislator appears to pressure the woman to terminate her pregnancy and issues threats when she refuses to comply.
The Chief Minister has officially forwarded the complaint to the state police chief, and the case will now be handled by the crime branch department. Investigators are expected to record the woman's formal statement shortly, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings.
This development gains significance because the crime branch had previously registered a suo motu case against Rahul Mamkootathil but could not advance their investigation due to the absence of a formal complaint. Police authorities had attempted to contact the woman when the initial audio recording emerged, but she had declined to pursue the matter at that time.
Political Reactions and Legal Defense
Congress party representatives emphasized that they had already taken disciplinary action against the legislator. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph stated, "He is no longer a party member and hence the party has nothing to comment."
Opposition leader V D Satheesan accused the ruling party of attempting to divert public attention from the Sabarimala gold scam by reviving this issue. He asserted that Congress leaders would not fall prey to what he described as the CPM's diversionary tactics.
Meanwhile, Rahul Mamkootathil has declared his intention to legally challenge the allegations. In a Facebook post, he wrote, "As long as I am convinced that I have done no wrong, I will continue to fight legally." He expressed confidence in proving his innocence both in the judicial system and in public opinion, concluding with "Truth will prevail."
Reports indicate that the suspended MLA plans to seek anticipatory bail as the investigation progresses. This case represents the latest in a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have emerged against Mamkootathil in recent months.
The Congress party had previously suspended Rahul Mamkootathil from primary membership in August following similar allegations. His resignation as Youth Congress state president came earlier after an actress indirectly accused "a young leader of a prominent political party" of inappropriate behavior, sparking protests from BJP and DYFI organizations.
Several other women and one transgender individual have also come forward with comparable allegations against the politician, though the current case marks the first formal complaint to reach the highest levels of state administration.
