No anticipatory bail for expelled Congress leader in Palakkad sexual assault case

Palakkad: A special court here on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail application of an expelled Congress leader accused of sexually assaulting a Dalit woman. Judge Jomon John of the Mannarkad Special Court for SC/ST cases rejected the plea filed by Prashob C Valsan, the councillor representing the 24th division of Palakkad Municipality.

The case pertainst to a complaint filed last month with the Palakkad South Police. The victim alleged that Valsan sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions by promising her a job and marriage. She further claimed that the accused coerced her into terminating a pregnancy before eventually cutting off all contact. Following the registration of the FIR, Valsan reportedly went into hiding and has been absconding for three weeks.

The matter took on political overtones during the Assembly election period, with the BJP and CPM alleging that Valsan is a close associate of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is also facing similar legal charges.

During the proceedings, the complainant requested to be heard before any decision was made. The court summoned and heard her testimony on Thursday. The prosecution strongly opposed the bail, arguing that "Valsan is an influential person who could tamper with evidence and influence the complainant if granted anticipatory bail”. They also highlighted his lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

While Valsan’s counsel argued that the allegations were "baseless and the Congress leader is innocent," the court ultimately denied the plea, citing the gravity of the charges and the specific circumstances surrounding the case.
PTI