Rahul case: Court’s decision crucial; FIR alleges brutal abuse, Rahul alleges political conspiracy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A case has been registered against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil under serious charges, including rape- an offence that can lead to life imprisonment. Following this, Rahul has filed an anticipatory bail plea claiming the relationship was consensual and alleging a political conspiracy. The court’s decision will be crucial. The Thiruvananthapuram Principal District Sessions Court is expected to consider the bail plea on Monday.

Rahul is currently absconding, and police believe he has left the state. After recording the woman’s statement for over five hours under the supervision of Rural SP K.S. Sudarshan, Valiyamala police registered a non-bailable case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act. Joby Joseph, a friend who allegedly brought abortion pills, has been named as the second accused. Since the alleged rape took place within the Nemom police station limits, the FIR and the woman’s 20-page statement have been transferred there.

A special investigation team led by DCRB Assistant Commissioner Dinraj, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Deepak Dhankhar, is handling the case. The woman’s confidential statement has been recorded by the Neyyattinkara Magistrate Court. The Immigration Bureau has been alerted to prevent Rahul from leaving the country.

Rahul’s claims in bail plea

Rahul has argued in his bail application that the woman’s husband is responsible for the pregnancy and that the abortion was done with her consent. He also claims that her husband is a BJP leader and alleges a political conspiracy by the CPM and BJP. He argued that there is a mystery surrounding her move to approach the Chief Minister in person during the election period.

Sexually assaulted in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad

According to the FIR, the following incidents took place:

• March 4, 2025: The complainant was allegedly assaulted at her flat in Thrikkannapuram.
• March 17: Rahul allegedly threatened her and recorded a nude video, warning that he would ruin her life.
• April 22: After she became pregnant, she was sexually assaulted again at her flat. In the last week of May, she was assaulted on two days at Rahul’s flat in Palakkad.
• May 30: Joby Joseph allegedly picked her up from Kaimanam in a red car and handed over abortion pills.
• Rahul allegedly forced her to take the pills, resulting in the abortion.

Charges, punishments (as per BNS and IT Act)

BNS 64(2)(f): Repeated rape by exploiting trust- 10 years to life imprisonment.

BNS 64(2)(h): Rape despite knowing the woman is pregnant- life imprisonment.

BNS 64(2)(m): Continuous sexual assault- 10 years to life imprisonment.

BNS 89: Forced abortion- 10 years to life imprisonment.

BNS 115(2): Assault, intimidation- 1 year imprisonment + fine.

BNS 351(3): Criminal intimidation- up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

BNS 3(5): Crime involving more than one person- applied to accused Joby Joseph.

IT Act 66(E): Capturing private images without consent and threatening to share them- up to 3 years imprisonment + Rs 2 lakh fine.