Where is Rahul Mamkootathil? Hints of leaving Kerala, house under police guard

PALAKKAD: There are hints that Rahul Mamkootathil MLA has left Kerala soon after the woman filed a sexual harassment complaint. Reports say that he has fled to Tamil Nadu fearing arrest. Rahul's three numbers and numbers of his two aides are found to be switched off. His office in Palakkad is also found locked. He has not contacted any senior leaders in Palakkad.

His house in Adoor is under police guard. Only his mother and sister are at home. The police have been guarding his house since last night considering the possibility of protests. The police have received information that a protest march by various youth organizations will be held here.

Meantime, Rahul has sought legal assistance to avoid arrest. He had approached senior advocate George Poonthottam of the high court. It is believed that he discussed things with him including filing anticipatory bail plea.

There are obstacles in directly approaching the high court for anticipatory bail. The Supreme Court had recently directed that the anticipatory bail plea should be first filed in the sessions court. It is also being examined whether can approach the high court for anticipatory bail citing special situation.

Advocate George Poonthottam responded that it was not appropriate for the woman to file a complaint directly with the chief minister. He also asked how the chief minister's office became a police station.