Red car conspiracy, erased footage; MLA Rahul Mamkootathil still absconding as bail plea hearing nears
Thiruvananthapuram/Palakkad: Kerala Police continue to search for MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, accused in a sexual harassment case, even on the sixth day of his disappearance. Although a special investigation team is conducting an extensive search both inside and outside the state, the MLA remains in hiding. Meanwhile, the court will consider Rahul’s anticipatory bail plea on Wednesday. After the court denied bail to Rahul Easwar recently, the investigation team expects that Rahul Mamkootathil’s bail may also be rejected. At the same time, finding and arresting the MLA as soon as possible continues to be a major challenge.
There are reports that a senior Congress leader helped Rahul Mamkootathil flee from Palakkad. Police had found that Rahul escaped in a red car. There were hints that the car was registered in the name of an actress. However, reports suggest that the car was actually used by the Congress leader who helped the MLA.
The search for Rahul Mamkootathil continues outside the state as well. The probe outside Kerala is focused mainly in cities like Coimbatore and Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Rahul Mamkootathil’s lawyer has submitted more evidence along with the bail plea in court. These include WhatsApp chat records and audio and video clips related to the complainant.
Before leaving the Palakkad flat, the CCTV footage capturing his last presence there had been erased from the DVR. The special team had already collected statements regarding this, including from the caretaker. Notices have also been issued to others who had links with Rahul, asking them to appear for questioning. It has been confirmed that the voice heard in the audio clip released by the media is indeed that of Rahul Mamkootathil.
Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend him without waiting for the bail hearing. Some officials point out that evidence collection is only underway now and arrest-related actions will take place only after Wednesday.