Pathanamthitta: In a major setback for Rahul Mamkootathil , the Tiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate Court has rejected his bail plea in the third rape case registered against him, ordering that he remain in jail. The order was passed by Magistrate Arundhati Dileep after detailed arguments were heard in a closed courtroom on Tuesday.
The in-camera hearing was conducted following a request by the prosecution to protect the identity and privacy of the survivor. All individuals not directly connected with the case were asked to leave the courtroom before proceedings began. Assistant Public Prosecutor M.G. Devi represented the prosecution.
The prosecution argued that the accused is a highly influential person and poses a risk of influencing the complainant and witnesses. It was also informed that the complainant is currently abroad and has not returned due to fear and alleged threats. The prosecution further contended that the case should be tried by a sessions court rather than a magistrate court.
Countering these claims, the defence maintained that the magistrate court was legally competent to hear the case, citing earlier High Court orders. The defence also argued that the police registered the case without a clear statement from the complainant and that the arrest violated prescribed legal procedures. Emphasising that the accused is a sitting legislator, the defence said he was neither a flight risk nor likely to abscond.
Claiming the relationship was consensual, the defence submitted chat messages and audio recordings allegedly exchanged between the accused and the complainant. Despite these arguments, the court dismissed the bail plea, ruling that Rahul Mamkootathil will continue in judicial custody.
