Thiruvananthapuram: Suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, already absconding while facing cases of sexual assault and forced abortion, has come under further scrutiny after police registered another case against him based on a new complaint from a Bengaluru woman. The case was taken up after Congress leaders forwarded her complaint to the State Police Chief.

The woman from Bengaluru sent her complaint by e-mail to the Congress national leadership and KPCC president Sunny Joseph. She wrote that she had faced “cruel sexual assault”. The KPCC received the message at 12:47 pm on Tuesday and passed it on to the State Police Chief the same day.

The Crime Branch registered an FIR on rape charges. A special team led by Thiruvananthapuram Crime Branch DYSP Sajeevan has been assigned to the investigation. Recording the woman’s statement will be the team’s first step.

Is there a link to earlier allegations?

Initial indications suggest the woman is the same person who had earlier raised allegations against Rahul Mamkootathil. At that time, the Crime Branch had approached her for details, but she was not ready to file a formal complaint. With her new complaint reaching the KPCC, the SIT is now expected to take her statement and move forward.

What is Rahul Mamkootathil’s current situation?

Rahul Mamkootathil remains absconding while facing the existing charges of sexual assault and forced abortion. The court is expected to deliver its order on his anticipatory bail on Thursday.