Court sends expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to 3-day police custody

The judicial first-class magistrate court, Thiruvalla, on Tuesday sent expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was arrested in connection with a third rape case, to three days’ police custody.

While issuing orders, sending him to three days’ police custody, the court directed the Special Investigation Team ( SIT) probing the case to produce Rahul Mamkootathil before it on the evening of January 15. The SIT, in its application, sought a 7-day custody of Mamkootathil.

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During the hearing of the custodial application of the SIT, the counsel for Rahul Mamkootathil argued that the bail application of the accused should be considered before the custodial application and that the arrest was illegal.

The defence counsel argued that the complainant’s statement was taken through video conferencing. The statement has to be signed within three days after it is taken. The defence counsel also argued that the case against Mamkootathil was registered without following the procedures.

Once Rahul Mamkootathil is in custody, the SIT will start collecting evidence with him. It is learned that the SIT will take him to the hotel in Pathanamthitta, where the alleged rape took place, and collect evidence. He will also be taken to Adoor and Palakkad, and evidence will be collected.

The court will consider Rahul Mamkootathil’s bail plea on January 16.