‘Granting bail to Rahul will set a bad precedent’; Govt to move high court

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will approach the Kerala High Court seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to Rahul Mamkootathil MLA in the second rape case. The Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to Rahul yesterday with conditions.

The prosecution's main argument is that despite serious sexual allegations being levelled against a public representative, bail was granted without fully considering the facts. The complaint is against an MLA who should be an exemplary in society. The government is of the stand that granting bail to a person in this post would set a bad precedent.

Serious sections including rape, unnatural sexual assault, intimidation and kidnapping have been charged against Rahul. If granted bail, there is a possibility that the accused could influence or intimidate the investigation and witnesses in the case. The government will also inform the court that Rahul, who has been absconding for several days, is not cooperating with the investigation.

Meantime, District Principal Sessions Court Judge S Nazeera had pointed yesterday that it was unusual to record the complainant's statement after registering an FIR against Rahul for harassment. The court also pointed the inconsistency in filing a complaint with the KPCC president two years after the incident. The court had also mentioned that the complainant was not interested in proceeding with legal proceedings.