Kerala SIT to probe sexual misconduct charges against Cong MLA Rahul Mamkootathil

The Crime Branch of the Kerala police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations of sexual misconduct and cyber harassment against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.

DYSP C Binukumar has been appointed as the investigating officer of the SIT. Given the significance of digital evidence in the case, cyber forensic experts have also been included in the team. The Crime Branch was initially reluctant to initiate an inquiry due to the absence of formal complaints from women who raised allegations through social and conventional media. However, a widely circulated audio clip, in which a man was heard pressuring a woman to undergo an abortion under threat, sparked a public outcry, forcing the police to act.

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Acting on the directive of state police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, a suo motu case was registered against Rahul Mamkootathil on Wednesday. The charges include stalking, issuing threats, and harassment through phone calls and anonymous online messages. Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been suspended by the Congress party following these allegations, denied any link to the leaked audio, claiming it may have been fabricated as part of a political conspiracy. He has not yet issued legal notices to those accusing him or formally request an inquiry to authenticate the recording.

The SIT is expected to summon Rahul Mamkootathil for questioning, confiscate electronic devices, and seek court permission for cyber forensic analysis, including recovery of tampered files, tracing IP addresses, and timestamp verification. The SIT may also record the statements from women who came forward, including writer Honey Bhaskaran, Avantika, and actress Rini Ann George, who recounted harassment experiences without naming Rahul directly.

Meanwhile, a section in the Congress is reportedly planning to bring Rahul Mamkootathil back to Palakkad. A meeting was reportedly held in Palakkad under the leadership of MP Shafi Parambil at the residence of KPCC General Secretary C Chandran. The discussion revolved around how to bring Rahul Mamkootathil back to Palakkad. The A Group plans to have Rahul participate in programmes organised by various organisations, clubs, and associations. The meeting assessed that a prolonged absence from the constituency would be detrimental.