In a major setback for Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the Thiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday shot down his bail application. The legislator remains in custody on serious charges of rape and criminal intimidation, with Munsiff Magistrate Arundhathi Dileep rejecting the defence’s core argument that the relationship in question was entirely consensual.
During the proceedings, Mamkootathil’s legal team produced screenshots of chats and audio recordings, which they claimed act as proof that show friendly and voluntary bond between the MLA and the survivor. However, the court wasn't swayed. It also brushed aside defence complaints regarding procedural "red flags" in how the First Information Report (FIR) was originally filed.
The prosecution’s stance was aggressive, which projected the MLA as a "habitual offender." Assistant Public Prosecutor Devi MG argued that letting Mamkootathil walk free would act as a direct threat to the investigation, as his position of power could allow him to intimidate the survivor or scrub evidence. The prosecution even suggested that more victims might come forward if the investigation continues unhindered, asserting that his alleged conduct was "unbecoming of a legislator."
This specific arrest stems from a complaint by a woman from Kottayam currently living abroad. During a recent evidence-gathering session, it has been learnt that Mamkootathil, reportedly, admitted that he had checked into the hotel room in April 2024 where the assault had taken place.
This is far from his only legal headache. The former MLA is already juggling two other similar cases. While he managed to secure interim protection from the High Court in one instance and pre-arrest bail in another, the state is currently fighting to have that bail cancelled. With this latest bail rejection, Mamkootathil's legal team is now preparing to move the Pathanamthitta District Court in a fresh bid for his release.
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