Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress party in Kerala has decided to expel MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing sexual assault charges.

Speaking to reporters, KPCC president Sunny Joseph stated that Congress has taken a “model decision” in the matter.

“Rahul had already been removed from the post of Youth Congress president when the allegations first surfaced… The moment KPCC received the complaint, it was immediately forwarded to the DGP. After discussions with leaders and the Congress high command, the party has taken a unanimous decision to expel him,” Joseph added. He added that it is appropriate that Rahul resign as MLA.

Meanwhile, a court on Thursday afternoon dismissed the anticipatory bail of Palakkad MLA. 

State Congress president Sunny Joseph, when asked about the action against the Palakkad MLA on Thursday morning, said any further step, including expulsion, would have to be cleared by the party’s central leadership.

“Any further stringent action against suspended party MLA Rahul Mamkootathil can be taken only with the permission of the high command,” Joseph told reporters.

He said the party had already initiated disciplinary steps when the allegations first emerged. “The party had already taken several actions against Mamkootathil when the allegations initially surfaced, and any further steps would require detailed discussions with the top Congress leaders in the state and the permission of the high command,” he added.

Joseph’s remarks come just hours before a Kerala court is expected to deliver its order on Mamkootathil’s anticipatory bail plea.

The MLA has been absconding ever since the police registered a case against him, following a petition filed by the complainant before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The police are continuing efforts to trace him.