Rahul Mamkootathil case: R Sreelekha extends support to survivor, questions timing of complaint

Thiruvananthapuram: Former DGP and BJP Thiruvananthapuram Corporation candidate R. Sreelekha has clarified that she did not intend to insult the woman who filed a sexual harassment complaint against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil.

Sreelekha said she has always supported the survivor but expressed frustration over the timing of the complaint.

In a Facebook post, she questioned why the woman had not approached the authorities earlier and why the complaint was submitted directly to the Chief Minister, suggesting it may have given the accused time to switch off his phone and seek anticipatory bail. She also raised concerns about whether the timing was intended to prevent further arrests in the ongoing Sabarimala gold robbery probe.

Addressing misinterpretations of her post, Sreelekha said she edited it to clarify that her remarks were not meant to question the victim’s credibility. She criticised the delay in filing the complaint, noting that the woman had suffered for three months and that the police could have acted sooner. “It was not a reaction as a politician, but as a former police officer,” she said, adding that the delay may have inadvertently provided protection to the accused.

Sreelekha also expressed concern that the complaint has surfaced amid the ongoing Sabarimala gold robbery investigation, suggesting the timing could be politically motivated to divert public attention.

Separately, Sreelekha said she supports the victim in the actress attack case as well. She defended her past actions regarding actor Dileep, the eighth accused in that case, stating that during her tenure as DGP of the prison, she ensured he received only the facilities provided to all inmates.

Former BJP state president K Surendran responded that Rahul should be arrested immediately, calling the allegations extremely serious.

Multiple complaints against Rahul had already reached Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, adding that Rahul does not deserve to remain an MLA even for a moment. Police have charged Rahul with rape on the promise of marriage and forced abortion, registering the FIR under non-bailable sections at the Nedumangad Valiyamala station.

After the complaint was submitted directly to the Chief Minister, the woman’s statement was recorded under the supervision of Rural SP KS Sudarshan. Following the case registration, Rahul has locked his MLA office in Palakkad, switched off his phone and gone into hiding, and with police initiating arrest procedures,where he is now moving for anticipatory bail.