The Principal Sessions Court, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday posted for Thursday further hearing on the anticipatory bail plea filed by suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the case registered against him on charges of rape and coerced termination of pregnancy.
The court heard arguments on the anticipatory bail plea in a closed-door session at the request of both sides. The hearing lasted for more than an hour.
After hearing the arguments, the court directed the prosecution to produce additional documents. Stating that several documents still needed to be examined, the court adjourned the matter for further arguments on Thursday.
It is reported that the verdict on the anticipatory bail plea will be pronounced after the court examines all documents submitted by both parties in detail and hears the remaining arguments.
Rahul Mamkootathil’s counsel requested that his arrest be stayed until the verdict on the anticipatory bail application is delivered. The court did not accept the request.
The prosecution noted that Mamkootathil, who is also a public representative, is absconding and has not cooperated with the investigation so far. Therefore, it said, no assurance could be given that there would be no arrest.
The defence counsel argued that the complaint was fabricated as part of a political conspiracy. They maintained that the relationship between Rahul and the complainant was consensual and that the abortion was carried out with her consent. Digital records and circumstantial evidence were submitted to support their allegation of conspiracy.
Meanwhile, the police are preparing to register another rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil based on a complaint filed by another woman. The complaint was submitted by a 23-year-old woman from Bengaluru, who wrote to KPCC president Sunny Joseph and senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, alleging that the Palakkad MLA assaulted her despite her repeated resistance. On Tuesday, the KPCC leadership forwarded the complaint to the state police chief.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Mamkootathil promised to marry her and forcefully established physical relations with her. Police said they will record her statement after registering the case.
Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has decided to take strict action against Mamkootathil in the wake of the fresh rape allegations. The party leadership is reportedly considering expelling him. Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran has demanded strict and exemplary action without delay.
“The issue has become more complicated now. It needs to be handled seriously. Political morality is important. He has no qualifications to continue in the Congress party,” Sudheeran said in Thiruvananthapuram.
Former KPCC president K Muraleedharan on Wednesday also demanded strong action against Mamkootathil. “It is time to use the Brahmastra,” he told media persons. Muraleedharan said he expects quick and decisive action from KPCC president Sunny Joseph after consultations with party leaders.