Thiruvananthapuram: In a major setback for MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the Thiruvananthapuram District Principal Sessions Court has dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in the rape and forced abortion case filed against him. The court ruled against granting any relief after the prosecution submitted fresh evidence, intensifying the legal trouble for the legislator.
Rahul’s bail plea was heard earlier this week in a closed courtroom session lasting nearly 90 minutes. Although the matter was initially posted for further arguments on Thursday, the prosecution submitted additional material in advance, including a complete set of chat messages between him and the complainant.
The defense, meanwhile, produced chats and the survivor’s wedding photos, arguing that the complaint was fabricated as part of a political conspiracy involving the CPI(M) and BJP. They maintained that the relationship between Rahul and the woman was consensual, not forced.
Countering the defense, the prosecution argued that there was compelling evidence of rape and forced termination of pregnancy, presenting digital records to support their claim. After reviewing the submissions, the court instructed the prosecution to bring any additional evidence if necessary.
Rahul’s legal team urged the court to ensure that no arrest would take place until the bail verdict. However, the prosecution declined to offer such assurance, stating it was not legally permissible. The court also chose not to intervene, leaving Rahul vulnerable to arrest as the investigation moves forward.
With the bail plea rejected, the case now enters a more critical phase, as investigators move ahead with the expanded pool of evidence submitted before the court.
