'Party has already instructed that Rahul should not be allowed to attend any programmes, stars who should rise will definitely rise, while those who should not will fade away'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader K Muraleedharan has responded to the complaint filed against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. He said the party had already instructed that Rahul should not be allowed to attend any programmes. Muraleedharan added that Rahul should not take part in campaigning for Congress candidates, and that stars who should rise will definitely rise, while those who should not will fade away.

Meanwhile, Rahul Mamkootathil has submitted digital evidence in court in response to the woman’s complaint. His lawyer produced a sealed cover containing a pen drive at the Thiruvananthapuram Principal District Sessions Court yesterday. The lawyer submitted nine digital files, including chats and voice messages, which he claims prove that the complaint was filed under external influence and that the abortion was carried out with the woman’s consent.

There are indications that the evidence includes a voice clip in which the complainant states that a senior official at her workplace allegedly pressured her to file the complaint. Rahul has been on the run since the woman submitted the complaint to the Chief Minister on Thursday. Meanwhile, his lawyer has claimed that Rahul arrived at his office in Vanchiyoor to sign legal documents. The court will consider the anticipatory bail plea on Wednesday. Although this does not stop the police from arresting him before then, the police reportedly have instructions not to go after him to arrest him.

Meanwhile, the special investigation team led by ACP Dinaraj has recorded the statement of the woman doctor who examined the complainant. The government doctor had treated the woman, who experienced prolonged bleeding after allegedly taking the pills given by Rahul for the abortion. Her statement is expected to be crucial to the investigation.