Pathanamthitta: The remand report filed by the police in the third rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil states that the accused is a repeat offender and poses a serious risk to the survivors if released on bail. The report warns that he may threaten or endanger the complainants, tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.

According to the police, Rahul’s political stature further increases the likelihood of interference in the investigation. The remand report also notes that he has not been cooperating with investigators and has refused to provide the lock details of his mobile phone, which is considered vital digital evidence.

Rahul was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from a hotel in Palakkad in the early hours of Sunday. The police kept the operation confidential to prevent him from absconding or seeking anticipatory bail. He reportedly learnt about the third case only when the police arrived at the hotel. After brief resistance, he was taken into custody and brought to Pathanamthitta.

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The third case was registered on a complaint by a young woman from Thiruvalla, currently residing abroad. She alleged that Rahul raped her after promising marriage and later forced her to undergo an abortion. The complaint also accuses him of physical assault, verbal humiliation and extensive financial exploitation.

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The survivor stated that Rahul established contact through social media when she was facing difficulties in her marital life. He later asked her to meet him at a hotel, where she was allegedly raped during their first meeting. She has alleged that he assaulted her, spat on her and subsequently promised marriage. When she became pregnant, he allegedly denied paternity, refused a DNA test and coerced her into terminating the pregnancy. She also claimed that she and her family were threatened when she decided to approach the authorities.

The remand report points out that all three rape complaints against Rahul describe a similar pattern of exploitation, including establishing intimacy, promising marriage and insisting on a child. In two of the three cases, allegations of forced abortion have been made. The police argue that this consistent pattern underscores the seriousness of the charges and the need for continued custody.

The third complaint was submitted via email to the Chief Minister along with digital evidence, including audio clips. The survivor’s statement was recorded by the SIT through video conferencing. This development came while Rahul was enjoying interim protection from arrest in the first two rape cases and had resumed public appearances.

Police have informed the court that granting bail at this stage would severely prejudice the investigation and place the survivors at risk.