Pathanamthitta: The noose tightens around Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the Congress, in the third rape complaint against him. The complainant, a Thiruvalla native currently abroad, had sent her grievance to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which ultimately led to Rahul’s arrest. The Chief Minister forwarded the complaint to a special investigation team.

The police have recorded the complainant’s detailed statement. She gave her testimony via video conferencing before AIG Poonkuzhali. According to her, the alleged rape took place in a hotel in Pathanamthitta on April 24, 2024. All evidence relating to the rape and the subsequent abortion has been handed over to the investigation team by the complainant.

Following this, the police were able to collect and verify the evidence. Once arrested, Rahul must be produced before the court. His lawyers are expected to oppose the arrest and seek bail at that stage. Critical evidence is required in court, which is why the investigation team decided to arrest him only after securing the relevant materials.

The complainant has provided numerous digital evidences, including call recordings, chat histories and other audio records. Medical documents were also submitted, detailing visits to doctors during the pregnancy and treatment related to the abortion. She has reportedly kept the foetal remains as evidence.

Anticipating the risk of Rahul absconding once the complaint was received, the investigation team acted cautiously. At the time, Rahul was in Palakkad, which borders the district. The police foresaw the possibility of him fleeing to Tamil Nadu or previously to Karnataka. Consequently, a small, discreet team led by Shoranur DYSP was deployed to carry out the operation, ensuring no information was leaked. Rahul was taken into custody through this highly secretive operation and later arrested.
 

Investigation into Rahul’s overseas travels

The complainant’s statement also alleges that Rahul repeatedly requested financial assistance after becoming an MLA following the Palakkad by-election. She stated that he sought money for his foreign travels and for purchasing a flat in Palakkad. SIT investigations revealed that Rahul travelled to the UK for two days shortly after becoming an MLA. He has undertaken several other foreign trips since, and the police are investigating whether these trips were funded by the complainant.

Meanwhile, the complainant, who is currently abroad, is expected to appear in person before the investigation team and the magistrate in the coming days to provide a confidential statement.