palakkad-mla-faces-fir-over-forced-abortion-charge

The Nemom Police have registered a case against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil following a woman’s complaint alleging forced abortion and obtaining consent through deceitful means. The Valiyamala Police initially recorded a Zero FIR based on the woman's statement — meaning the report was registered immediately irrespective of jurisdiction — and subsequently transferred the case to the Nemom police station. The woman has also accused the MLA of sexual harassment and issuing death threats.

 

An audio clip had previously surfaced in which the MLA is allegedly heard threatening the woman, though the recording has not been independently verified.

 

Meanwhile, Rahul Mamkoottathil's advocate, George Poonthottam, said that the case is a political stunt and that none of the charges will hold up.

 

Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan alleged that the timing of the case suggests it is being "weaponised for the upcoming polls." Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan insisted the matter should be left to the court, not the media. “Let the investigation continue. The Crime Branch had initially probed the matter and submitted a report saying there was no evidence,” he said.

 

In a separate matter dating back to August, the Crime Branch had registered another case against Mamkoottathil for offences including stalking and harassing women on social media. The FIR was filed under Sections 78(2) (stalking) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, which pertains to causing nuisance through repeated or unwanted communication. However, the probe into that case has reportedly stalled as the women involved are hesitant to proceed with their complaints.

 

Mamkoottathil had recently resigned as Youth Congress state president after Malayalam actress Rini Ann George levelled allegations of misbehaviour against a young political leader, prompting protests by the BJP and the DYFI (the CPM’s youth wing). He was also facing an internal party inquiry. Following the actor's allegation, several women and a transgender person came forward with similar accusations. After audio clips of a purported conversation between the MLA and a woman were circulated, the Congress suspended him from the party’s primary membership.

 

 

Also read: Suspended Palakkad MLA vows loyalty to Congress