Kerala MLA still on the run; heavy police deployment at Hosdurg court fuels arrest-surrender speculation
Kasaragod, Kerala: Heavy police deployment at the Hosdurg court on Thursday evening has triggered intense speculation that suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil may appear before authorities. However, it remains unclear whether the situation points to a possible arrest or a voluntary surrender. There has been no official confirmation from police or other departments.The development comes hours after his anticipatory bail was denied in a rape case.
Court officials, including judges and senior staff, remained on-site well past court hours.
A crowd, including political activists from rival parties such as the CPM’s DYFI and BJP, assembled near the court to mark protests, adding to the tense atmosphere around the premises.
However, no official confirmation of Mamkootathil’s surrender had been provided by police or other authorities.
Earlier reports suggested Mamkootathil was in hiding in Karnataka, and Hosdurg’s proximity has fuelled speculation further. Similarly, the hilly regions of Kasaragod are known as strongholds of the Congress, and Mamkootathil’s associates are reportedly present in areas including Panathur, suggesting a possible route for him to reach Hosdurg via Sullia and Panathur.
What happened in earlier hours of the day
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph confirmed on Thursday that Mamkootathil has been expelled from the party after serious allegations were raised against him and cases were registered.
The Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court rejected Mamkootathil's plea for anticipatory bail in the alleged rape case, signalling swift legal proceedings against the legislator.
Police lodged a case following a woman’s complaint alleging sexual assault, rape under the pretext of marriage, and forced abortion. The FIR, initially filed at Nedumangad Valiyamala Police Station, was later transferred to Nemom Police Station, where the incidents allegedly occurred.
Charges under BNS 2023 and IT Act
The FIR lists eight non-bailable sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including:
- Section 64 for rape
- Section 64(2) for repeated rape on the same woman
- Section 64(f) for rape by a person in a position of trust
- Section 64(h) for rape knowing the woman is pregnant
- Section 64(m) for repeated rape
- Section 89 for causing miscarriage without consent
- BNS 316 for criminal breach of trust
- Section 68(e) of the IT Act for transmission of offensive digital content
The offences carry sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment.
The survivor submitted a written complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who forwarded it to ADGP H Venkatesh. A senior-level meeting was then convened at the police headquarters to determine further steps. With the FIR registered, police have now begun procedures for Mamkootathil’s arrest.
Delayed formal complaint
Although allegations surfaced in August, the woman had not appeared in person until recently. The Crime Branch had already initiated a preliminary probe based on third-party petitions to the State Police Chief and identified the woman heard in leaked audio recordings. She was earlier asked to submit a written complaint but declined.
Meanwhile, Rahul Mamkootathil has neither confirmed nor denied whether the voice in the audio clips is his.