Bail rejected, party shuts door: Kerala MLA Mamkootathil forced to surrender, appeal or run — each with a price

A Thiruvananthapuram court’s rejection of suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil’s anticipatory bail has pushed the first-time legislator into the most precarious phase of his political career, leaving him untraceable, expelled, and facing mounting pressure to surrender as the sexual assault case against him intensifies.

The court dismissed Mamkootathil’s plea on Thursday after two days of hearings in the closely watched case. Within minutes, state Congress President Sunny Joseph announced his expulsion from the party. The decision came on the same date Mamkootathil was sworn in as an MLA last year.

The order arrived as the MLA remained untraceable for the eighth straight day. Police have been searching for him since a young woman filed a complaint accusing him of sexual exploitation and pressuring her to terminate a pregnancy. He has denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated.

His continued absence, despite repeated police notices, has drawn public criticism and sharpened attacks from political rivals. According to investigators, Mamkootathil left his Palakkad residence soon after the case was filed and switched vehicles multiple times, complicating surveillance.

The BJP and LDF accused the Congress of shielding him, a claim the party rejected, saying it forwarded the complaint to police without delay.

During the hearing, Mamkootathil’s legal team argued that the complaint lacked medical and forensic proof and formed part of a political conspiracy. The prosecution contended that custodial interrogation was essential to retrieve digital evidence, verify communication records and examine inconsistencies.

The court agreed with the prosecution, ruling that anticipatory bail would obstruct the investigation.

What options does Mamkootathil have now?

Legal experts say the court’s order leaves him with three options: surrender, approach a higher court, or continue to evade authorities — all of which carry political costs. He has no immunity from arrest.

Police are expected to intensify efforts to trace him, with lookout notices and expanded digital tracking under consideration.

How is the Congress responding?

The episode marks a major setback for the Congress ahead of an important electoral cycle. Senior strategists fear the prolonged controversy could damage the party’s image, especially among young and women voters.

Congress MP and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash said the party accepted the state chief’s directive immediately after the order. “To resign or not is his prerogative; we have nothing to do with it,” he said.

Will he lose his MLA seat?

The Congress leadership has taken the position that Mamkootathil must resign as MLA following his expulsion. Party sources say the KPCC is prepared to ask him to step down if he can be contacted by phone.

UDF convenor Adoor Prakash, K. Muraleedharan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph have already conveyed that he should relinquish the post on his own. If he refuses, insiders say the Congress chief whip may write to the Speaker seeking action.

Mamkootathil now risks losing his MLA post within a year of taking oath. His expulsion came immediately after the court refused him anticipatory bail in a case alleging assault, pregnancy and forced abortion.