Did MLA Rahul Mamkootathil flee in a film star’s red Polo? Investigation underway

Thiruvananthapuram: It is reported that Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, accused in a rape case, fled in a red Polo car. He disappeared from Kannadi in Palakkad soon after news emerged that the complainant had directly met Chief Minister and submitted her complaint. Until then, Rahul had been actively participating in the election campaign in Kannadi. However, after the complainant’s meeting with the Chief Minister became public, Rahul left Kannadi in a red Polo car. There has been no clarity on his whereabouts since.

There are reports that the red Polo car Rahul used to flee from Kannadi belongs to a film actor. Police found that he left in the red car after analysing CCTV footage. The vehicle’s registration details were then collected and an investigation followed. During this probe, it was found that the car’s owner is a cinema actor. However, there is no clarity on whether Rahul switched vehicles during the journey.

It is also reported that Joby, a friend of Rahul and co-accused in the case, was with him. Earlier, there were hints that Rahul may have crossed over to Coimbatore. Police have widened the investigation to locations outside the state. Meanwhile, checks are also being carried out focusing on Rahul’s friends. Police had conducted searches at their residences recently. Their phone call records are also under surveillance.

Yesterday, a police team inspected Rahul’s flat in Palakkad as well. The inspection took place at the flat in Kunnathurmedu. The team examined CCTV cameras in the flat and sought information from Rahul’s personal assistant Fazal and the security person at the location. The search, which began around noon, continued until 4 PM.

On Sunday morning, the investigation team had first conducted a preliminary inspection at the flat. Later, they held discussions with senior officials of the Crime Branch office. Assistance from the Palakkad police was also requested. The team returned to the flat around noon and continued the search for four hours. At that time, Fazal — the MLA’s PA — was present in the flat. It is learnt that no crucial evidence was found other than CCTV visuals. The police mainly collected CCTV footage during the search.