Palakkad: Rahul Mamkootathil, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kerala, was taken into police custody on Sunday following a fresh complaint alleging rape and abetment of abortion.

The arrest took place at around 12.30 am at the KPM Hotel in Palakkad city. Police sources said the action was initiated after a young woman submitted a new complaint via email. Her statement was subsequently recorded by a special investigation team.

A police team led by the Shoranur Deputy Superintendent of Police detained the MLA from his hotel room at a time when no personal staff were present. Officers reportedly seized the mobile phones of hotel employees before taking him into custody. He is reportedly being taken to Pathanamthitta for further interrogation.

Rahul had been staying in Palakkad for the past two days and had attended temple-related events during his visit. The hotel room in which he was staying, Room 2002, has been sealed by the police. He had checked into the room only a day earlier.

With the latest complaint, Rahul now faces three similar cases. In the first case, the Kerala High Court had stayed his arrest, while in the second he was granted anticipatory bail by a trial court. In the wake of the allegations, the Congress party has expelled him from its ranks.

Police investigations are ongoing.