Thiruvananthapuram: The police investigation team that had been in Karnataka for a manhunt of absconding MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is accused in two rape cases, has reportedly returned to Kerala. The move comes as the Kerala High Court gave Mamkootathil immunity from arrest in the first rape case till December 15.  Also, Mamkootathil, who has been absconding for the past 11 days, is unlikely to return to Kerala unless he secures anticipatory bail in the second case as well.

Although the arrest has been stayed in the first case till next hearing (December 15), the investigating team has decided to issue a notice to Mamkootathil as part of the probe. In the second case, the survivor has not yet given her statement. The team is attempting to obtain her statement directly.

Meanwhile, the Congress, which has expelled Mamkootathil, has now accused the police and the state Home Department of lapses. UDF convener and Congress veteran Adoor Prakash alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has information about Rahul Mamkootathil’s whereabouts. He also stated that the head of the investigation team is a leader of the Police Association and added that let them locate him.