Suspended Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil is embroiled in a deepening legal crisis as a second woman has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against him. The fresh complaint arrives at a critical juncture, just a day before a court is scheduled to hear the absconding MLA's plea for pre-arrest bail in an earlier rape case.
New Allegation Adds to Legal Woes
On Tuesday, a 23-year-old woman submitted a detailed complaint to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership and the state police. She alleged that Mamkootathil, the MLA representing Palakkad, sexually assaulted her in 2023. According to her account, she befriended the politician on social media. While she was in Bengaluru, Mamkootathil reportedly took her to a homestay outside the city under the pretext of discussing marriage.
In her complaint, the woman stated that Mamkootathil assaulted her despite her clear resistance. She described the incident as a violent attack that left her with several cuts and injuries. When she later confronted him about his promise of marriage, she claims he coldly dismissed her, stating he had no intention to marry anyone and that his political career would not allow him to devote attention to a wife.
Swift Action Amid Political Pressure
KPCC president Sunny Joseph confirmed receiving the complaint via email on Tuesday afternoon. He acted promptly, forwarding the complaint to the State Police Chief. Joseph also communicated to the complainant that Mamkootathil had already been suspended from the party in August following multiple initial allegations of misconduct.
The Congress party's swift response is seen as a damage control measure. The party is keen to distance itself from the scandal, especially with the crucial Kerala local body elections scheduled for December 9 and 11. The Mamkootathil issue has become a significant embarrassment for the party in the state.
Absconding MLA's Legal Battle Intensifies
This new allegation compounds the severe legal troubles already facing the young leader. Last Friday, Rahul Mamkootathil was formally booked in a rape case. In that case, he is accused of raping a woman and also forcing her to terminate a pregnancy. Facing non-bailable charges, the MLA has been absconding since the First Information Report (FIR) was filed, prompting police to intensify their search operation.
The timing of the latest complaint is particularly significant. It was filed a day before a court in Thiruvananthapuram was set to consider Mamkootathil's application for anticipatory bail. The fresh accusation is likely to influence the court's proceedings and the police's approach to tracking down the legislator, who remains at large.
The case continues to develop, with police investigations ongoing in both the rape case and the newly registered sexual assault complaint. The political fallout within the Congress party in Kerala is also being closely watched as election dates approach.
