Pathanamthitta: A Crime Branch investigation team has submitted a formal charge sheet against expelled Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil in relation to one of several rape allegations filed against him. According to police sources, the document was recently filed before the Judicial First Class Magistrate in Thiruvalla. This specific charge sheet addresses the third of three rape cases involving the former Palakkad MLA, with officials stating that charges were filed under IPC Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation).

The prosecution alleges that Mamkootathil connected with the complainant through social media in 2024 and eventually persuaded her to book a hotel room in Thiruvalla under the guise of a private conversation. It was at this location that the former MLA allegedly assaulted the woman. Prosecutors further claim that the accused intimidated the complainant after she informed him that she had become pregnant. Mamkootathil was arrested on January 11 and remained in jailed until the Pathanamthitta District and Principal Sessions Court granted him bail on January 28. Regarding the other two cases, he successfully secured anticipatory bail from both a district court in Thiruvananthapuram and the Kerala High Court.

Following the initial allegations of misconduct, Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party last year. He did not participate as a candidate in the Assembly elections held on April 9.

PTI