New investigation team formed as Rahul Mamkootathil remains on the run

Thiruvananthapuram: The Crime Branch has appointed a new investigation team to locate Rahul Mamkootathil, who still remains absconding in a rape case. The decision comes amid suspicion that information was being leaked to Rahul from the original investigation team. The new team will record the statement of the complainant in the second case.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified their investigation into the second rape case with the aim to arrest Rahul. Police are trying to record the statement of the survivor currently in Bengaluru. Officers from the investigation team are present there. However, the survivor has not yet agreed to appear before the team. The investigation is led by AIG G Poonguzhali at the police headquarters. Senior police officials have also contacted the survivor’s relatives. They hope to obtain her statement by Monday.

Rahul is defending himself in the first sexual assault case by presenting evidence claiming the relationship was consensual. However, the probe team believes that once the complainant’s statement is recorded in the second case, arrest will become possible without the protection of bail. Although an FIR has been registered, the absence of the complainant’s statement remains an issue. Rahul is currently trying to secure bail before the survivor gives her statement.