Thiruvalla: MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was produced before the Thiruvalla First Class Judicial Magistrate Court on Tuesday in connection with a sexual assault complaint, amid intense protests by the DYFI and the Yuva Morcha.

The protests erupted at multiple points as Mamkootathil, who is currently in judicial remand, was brought out of jail, taken for a medical examination at the Thiruvalla Taluk Hospital, and later escorted to the court premises. Police faced considerable difficulty in managing the situation as activists from different organisations gathered in large numbers.

Yuva Morcha protesters arrived carrying a trophy bearing Mamkootathil’s photograph with the words “Number One Kozhi” written on it, while DYFI members staged their protest by holding up a placard featuring a rooster.

The court had ordered Mamkootathil’s production while considering a bail plea filed by the defence. The magistrate stated that a decision on bail would be taken only after the investigation report is submitted. Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team is expected to file an application on Tuesday seeking seven days of custody for further questioning.

Mamkootathil was arrested late Saturday night from Palakkad and was initially produced before the Pathanamthitta court, which was handling matters on behalf of the Thiruvalla court. He was later remanded to the Mavelikkara sub-jail. Bail documents and related records were forwarded to the Thiruvalla court on Monday.

The complainant is a 31-year-old woman from Kottayam district, currently working in Canada. She alleged that Mamkootathil sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Thiruvalla on April 8, 2024. In a statement given to the SIT via Zoom, she said she became pregnant and later suffered a miscarriage. The defence, however, has claimed that the relationship was consensual and has denied the remaining allegations.