In a dramatic turn in the high-profile rape case, the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court has stated that it will deliver its decision on Rahul Mamkoottil’s anticipatory bail plea tomorrow, after completing the final round of arguments. Notably, the court has refused to grant protection from arrest until the verdict is announced.
During the closed-door hearing, which lasted over 90 minutes, the defence urged the court to restrain the police from arresting the MLA until the judgment. But the prosecution strongly opposed the request, arguing that Rahul Mankoottil has been evading investigators and has not cooperated with the probe. They told the court they could not assure that he would not be arrested before the verdict.
The prosecution placed before the court an extensive set of materials, including medical reports, audio clips, videos, and the police investigation report. The defence also produced digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats and videos, which the court said it would examine in detail. Reports indicate the court also asked the prosecution to submit an additional document referenced during the hearing.
The prosecution asserted that there is clear evidence of rape and forced abortion. The defence countered these claims, calling the complaint fabricated, politically driven, and part of a CPI(M)-BJP conspiracy. They argued the relationship was consensual, the voice recordings were manipulated, and the abortion was the woman’s own decision. They also alleged she filed the complaint under external pressure.
With both sides presenting sharply contrasting narratives, all eyes are now on tomorrow’s session, where the court is expected to decide on the crucial bail plea.
