Rahul still at large; 'Election bombing' strategy behind delaying arrest?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala police are still reeling in embarrassment for their inability to arrest Rahul Mamkootathil even ten days after a case was registered. Even the Congress party, which Rahul was earlier part of, alleged an ‘election bombing’ strategy from LDF, which they said was behind delaying the arrest.

Rahul’s personal mobile phone is occasionally switched on. The police are well aware of his location but are not acting. The personal staff and driver of the Palakkad office, who were arrested for helping him escape, were released on Friday. There are only three days left for the first phase of polling for the local body elections. It is also being assessed that this is a ploy to divert attention from issues, including the gold looting in Sabarimala, until the elections are over.

Once the tower location is obtained, the cyber cell has the expertise to find the hideout. There are four special teams to catch Rahul. They are rummagingTamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The phone was switched on for more than half an hour on Thursday after the anticipatory bail was rejected. The location was Sullia near Mangalore. The police concluded that the hideout had been changed after the phone was given to someone else to mislead the investigation. It is believed that Rahul will remain in hiding until the High Court decides on the anticipatory bail application.

It is reported that a lawyer and a real estate agent in Bengaluru are protecting the estranged Palakkad MLA. It is said that Rahul escaped from a hideout in Bengaluru before the police arrived. The phones of more than 100 people who could be contacted are being monitored.

It is reported that Rahul stayed in a luxury villa outside Bengaluru for two days and stayed at a resort for one day. It is also reported that real estate agents are providing different vehicles and phones. The attempt is to block the help, including money and vehicles, from reaching Rahul. A few people who helped have been taken into custody and questioned.

The police forces were left embarrassed after they stationed near Hosdurga court after getting information from Rahul’s lawyer that he would surrender. The magistrate remained in the court till 8 pm as per the police's request. DYFI and BJP workers had protested in the court premises.