‘I was too fearful then’: Avanthika rejects Rahul Mamkootathil’s audio clip claim

Kochi: Trans woman Avanthika has dismissed the audio clip released by MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, in which she was heard saying that he had never misbehaved with her. Speaking to Mathrubhumi.com, Avanthika clarified that the conversation was with a reporter before she came forward with her allegations, and at that time, she was too afraid to reveal the truth.

According to Avanthika, the audio released by Rahul was from a phone call with a television reporter on August 1.

She said the reporter had contacted her after hearing that Rahul had spoken to her in a derogatory manner.

“Since Rahul is also an MLA, I did not have the courage to speak openly then. But after an actress publicly came forward against him, I also felt the need to share my experience,” she said.

Avanthika also alleged that ever since she spoke out, she has been facing a wave of cyberattacks and is under severe mental strain.

Rahul, however, presented the clip at a press conference, in which Avanthika is heard saying he is a good friend and never behaved badly with her. Avanthika said she had told the reporter at the time that she lived in a society where she could respond legally if such an attack occurred, but fear had stopped her from revealing the details.

Rahul added that Avanthika had called him at 8:24 p.m. on August 1, and a news reporter had already asked her whether she faced any harassment.