Rahul Mamkootathil submits sealed evidence in sexual harassment case ahead of bail hearing

Thiruvananthapuram: In the sexual harassment case involving Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, his counsel on Saturday submitted nine pieces of purported evidence in a sealed cover before the Thiruvananthapuram District Court, according to sources. The MLA’s anticipatory bail petition is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday.

What evidence was placed before the court?

Among the material submitted was a pen drive that the defence says contains recordings and other items alleging that the head of the media channel where the complainant worked had influenced her to file the complaint.

The defence also produced documents asserting that the pregnancy termination referred to in media reports had been carried out at the complainant’s request.

In addition, the MLA's team presented records they say show the complainant was living with her husband at the time the alleged incident is said to have occurred, a claim intended to challenge the timeline and nature of the allegations. All documents and digital evidence were placed in a sealed cover for the court’s consideration.

Where has the MLA been?

The Congress leader, whom police say had been absconding since the FIR was registered, appeared in the state capital on Friday to meet his legal team. He managed the meeting without attracting significant media attention.

What are the political reactions?

The case has triggered sharp political responses. State Education Minister V Sivankutty took a mocking stance towards the Congress, saying Rahul’s disappearance raised questions and remarking that it would be enough to know whether the MLA was hiding “at the AICC headquarters, the KPCC office or a DCC premises.”

Sivankutty demanded that if Rahul Mamkootathil had “any sense of dignity”, he should surrender and resign.

How has the Congress responded?

State unit Congress president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the party had already taken action when the matter first emerged in August, noting that Rahul had been suspended at the time and that the decision had been unanimous. He sought to highlight the party’s formal response while defending its internal procedures.

IANS inputs