Rajesh, who helped Rahul to flee to Germany arrested, WhatsApp chats to be examined

KOZHIKODE: The friend, who helped Rahul P Gopal to leave the country in the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case, has been arrested. The police have confirmed that Rahul has reached Germany. He reached Germany from Bengaluru via Singapore. The police arrested his friend Rajesh of Mangavu, who traveled with Rahul to Bengaluru by car.

The police will issue a blue corner notice to bring Rahul home. An application has been submitted to Interpol for it. Efforts are being taken to freeze Rahul's bank account abroad. Rahul's mother will be taken into police custody and questioned. The interrogation is based on the girl's statement.

The police are checking the WhatsApp chats including that of Rajesh, who has been arrested. Rahul was at home on the day the Pantheerankavu police registered the case of domestic violence. He went into hiding after realizing that a murder attempt case will be filed. Rahul's phone was on in Karnataka and was later switched off. The police suspected that he may have gone to Singapore from here. They are also investigating whether he has a job in Germany.

An investigation team led by Feroke ACP Saju P Abraham had earlier reached the house of the complainant in North Paravoor to record her statement. She told police that Rahul forced her to drink alcohol in the presence of his mother and friend. Usha, his mother is being questioned for it. Rahul and the complainant got married on May 5 in Guruvayur. She was assaulted on May 11. Rahul is from Kottayam and his family later shifted to Kozhikode.