Kochi, December 6, 2025 – The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Rahul Mamkootathil, an expelled MLA, in connection with a rape case filed against him. Justice K. Babu issued the order on Saturday while considering Mamkootathil's anticipatory bail plea. The court has scheduled the case for further hearing on December 15.
Mamkootathil, who was recently expelled from the Indian National Congress, faces allegations of rape and forced abortion. The case was registered by the Nemom police based on a complaint submitted directly to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by the complainant and her family on November 27. The complainant accuses the MLA of rape, resulting in pregnancy, and subsequent forced abortion. She also alleges that Mamkootathil threatened her by recording their private moments.
The Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court had previously dismissed Mamkootathil's anticipatory bail application on December 4, prompting him to approach the High Court. Mamkootathil has been on the run for over a week, fearing arrest.
The charges against Mamkootathil include offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Section 64 for rape, Section 89 for forced miscarriage, Section 316 for criminal breach of trust, Section 351 for criminal intimidation, Section 329 for trespass and Section 116 for causing grievous hurt. Additionally, he has been booked under Section 66E of the Information Technology Act for violation of privacy.
In his plea for anticipatory bail, Mamkootathil admitted to a physical relationship with the complainant but claims it was consensual. He alleges that the accusations are false and politically motivated, intended to damage his reputation. He also argues that the complaint was submitted directly to the Chief Minister instead of through proper channels and that the survivor decided to abort the pregnancy.
Following the denial of his anticipatory bail by the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions court, Mamkootathil was expelled from the primary membership of the Congress party. The Sessions court cited the grave nature of the alleged offenses as the reason for denying pre-arrest bail, adding that granting bail would adversely affect the investigation. The court also noted that the survivor's consent for the abortion was given under pressure from Rahul, with the hope of a future together.
In addition to the Nemom police case, Mamkootathil faces another rape case registered by the Crime Branch. This second case was initiated after KPCC President Sunny Joseph forwarded a complaint from a 23-year-old woman to the State Police Chief. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate this second case. The Crime Branch is also investigating the authenticity of the email complaint, as it lacked detailed contact information.
Congress leaders have stated that the party had been considering action against Mamkootathil for some time, with KPCC President Sunny Joseph receiving a separate rape complaint. The party maintains that it took swift action by expelling Mamkootathil after the court rejected his bail plea. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan has defended the party's actions, emphasizing that the decision to expel Mamkootathil was made after careful consideration and with the consent of the AICC and High Command.
