Pathanamthitta: The Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court on Wednesday granted bail to MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the third rape case against him. Rahul was arrested in this case 18 days before. Earlier, the Thiruvalla Magistrate Court, while considering his bail plea, had denied bail and made severe observations.

Subsequently, the District Sessions Court was approached, which resulted in a favourable order.

The defence argued before the court that the relationship between the accused and the complainant was consensual. 

The defence argued that the cases against Rahul were politically motivated and alleged that there was a conspiracy behind them. It pointed out that the complainant has not yet given a direct statement to the police and that procedures such as recording a confidential statement or conducting a medical examination have not been completed so far.

The prosecution informed the court that the complainant is currently abroad and is therefore unable to travel to Kerala, and that steps are being taken to record her statement through special arrangements via the embassy. The prosecution also contended that Rahul had not cooperated with the investigation and arrest process.

After examining the case details and the observations made by the lower court, the Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court granted bail. The bail has reportedly been granted with conditions, including that Rahul shall not attempt to influence or threaten the complainant or survivors.

Rahul approached the district court after the lower court had rejected his bail plea. Earlier, in two similar cases, Rahul had avoided arrest after securing anticipatory bail from the High Court.