Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress is attempting to secure political relief from the rape case of Rahul Mamkootathil that had overshadowed every issue that had put the government and the LDF on the defensive during the elections. The party has decided to revive topics such as Sabarimala gold theft and to jointly take on the CPM.

The Opposition Leader’s allegation that the Chief Minister’s Office pressured the investigation team not to question Kadakampally Surendran until the elections are over is viewed as an attempt to intensify the campaign battle.

Congress leaders now maintain that Rahul Mamkootathil is no longer a matter concerning the party. They argue that if Rahul was not arrested, it was due to the incompetence of the police. They also claim that by not arresting him immediately after receiving the complaint, the Chief Minister allowed Rahul to go into hiding in order to keep the issue alive during the elections.

The CPM on the other hand is focusing its counter-attack on what it calls Congress’ “hypocrisy” in expelling Rahul. The Chief Minister highlighted the presence of Congress MLAs who had earlier faced similar cases and even served jail terms, questioning why they were not removed.

The Sabarimala gold smuggling controversy is a source of discomfort for the CPM. When it was overshadowed by the Rahul case, leaders managed to escape scrutiny. However, with the Rahul controversy cooling slightly, Sabarimala is resurfacing—something the CPM cannot ignore. This is evident in the statements made by its leaders.

Regarding the Sabarimala gold issue, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has said that the party would decide on action against those arrested. Earlier, he had stated that Padmakumar is only an accused and that the party would wait for the verdict. The Chief Minister also clarified that the government had made it clear that no one involved in wrongdoing at Sabarimala would be protected.

‘For Congress, Rahul an investment for future’: Chief Minister

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the allegations involving MLA Rahul Mamkootathil revealed “horrific matters”.

Rahul’s actions, he said, amounted to sexually deviant behaviour unbecoming of a public figure. Despite receiving complaints earlier, the Congress projected Rahul as a “future investment”, the Chief Minister alleged.

Responding to Opposition accusations that Rahul’s arrest was being deliberately delayed, the Chief Minister said the Congress itself knew where Rahul was hiding. “If they tell us where he is, the police will arrest him immediately,” he stated.

When the Congress pointed out that its action against Rahul was exemplary, the Chief Minister countered by asking why MLAs Eldhose Kunnappilly and M Vincent were never expelled from the party. He was speaking at the ‘Meet the Press’ event at Ernakulam Press Club.

Anticipatory bail plea: Hearing on Saturday

Rahul has approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the rape case. He claims in his plea that he has done nothing wrong, is willing to cooperate with the investigation, and should be granted bail if arrested.

He states that he was close to the complainant, a journalist, and that after private voice clips surfaced on social media, she distanced herself assuming he leaked them. The plea will be considered on Saturday.

He also states that he was aware she was married and separated. They had mutually decided not to pursue a complaint related to the leaked voice clips. But because he is a politician, the matter received widespread media attention, and his political opponents used the situation. As a result, the complainant turned against him, he argues. He also states that he has evidence of their conversations but cannot produce them because the police are pursuing him.

He adds that the Supreme Court has held that preliminary inquiry is required in delayed complaints. He says he is ready to appear before the investigating officer and clarify matters if given the opportunity.

Still absconding

Meanwhile, the MLA remains absconding. The city police team is continuing its search in Bengaluru. Two of the three police teams have moved towards the Kerala border.

The City Police Commissioner, Thomson Jose, said the investigation continues and that Rahul’s driver and assistant—who allegedly helped him escape—were taken into custody, questioned and released. The offences against them qualify for station bail.

Police have confirmed that Rahul is not at the location indicated by his phone. They have also found that he is receiving major support in Karnataka to stay in hiding. Some local Congress leaders and friends are reportedly assisting him.

‘Chief Minister knows where he is’: Adoor Prakash

UDF convenor Adoor Prakash MP alleged that both the Chief Minister and the police know where Rahul Mamkootathil is, and that his arrest is being delayed to keep the issue alive until polling day. He was speaking at an election debate organised by Kollam Press Club.

He said that no earlier action was taken because no complaint had been received, and it would have been wrong to condemn someone without a complaint. Action was taken only after Rahul’s wrongdoing became clear, he stated. When asked about the complaint filed by M A Shahanas, the Congress Culture and Literature Wing general secretary, Adoor Prakash said he did not know that individual.

Second rape case to be investigated by AIG Poonguzhali

The second rape case in which MLA Rahul Mamkootathil is accused will be investigated by AIG G Poonguzhali at Police Headquarters. She said the investigation team will be expanded to include women officers. The Crime Branch said the case was handed to a woman officer because the survivor is prepared to give her statement. Due to cyber attacks against the survivor in the first case, strict instructions have been issued to maintain confidentiality in this second case. The email complaint received by Congress leadership on Tuesday was forwarded to the DGP.

According to the complainant, she met Rahul on social media in 2023, and he allegedly raped her after promising marriage.