Thiruvananthapuram: The driver who allegedly transported Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to Bengaluru, where he has been absconding in a rape case, along with a hotel owner who assisted him, have been taken into police custody. The investigation team has reportedly begun interrogating them. The two were taken into custody from Bengaluru.

The move came as the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court is hearing Rahil’s anticipatory bail plea, with proceedings conducted in a closed courtroom to maintain privacy. Both the prosecution and defence had requested confidentiality.

The prosecution opposed Rahul’s anticipatory bail, citing evidence of rape and abortion, and highlighted that multiple similar complaints have been filed against him. They warned that granting bail could lead to destruction of evidence.

In contrast, Rahul’s defence argued in court that the complaints are part of a political conspiracy intended to destroy his public life, and denied that any rape or abortion had taken place.