Top political leaders' involvement, masterplan implemented by lawyer; Rahul Mamkootathil's Bengaluru days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police suspect that top Congress leaders abetted in providing a safe hiding place for Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing sexual assault allegations. The report said that a Malayali lawyer with close ties to the political and real estate mafia in Bengaluru arranged all the necessary facilities. Rahul's team are also being provided with news of moves made by the Kerala police.

Reports said that Rahul was hiding in a large farmhouse with extensive surveillance systems, protected by local goons. The Palakkad MLA reportedly also stayed at a resort with royal facilities. It is nearly impossible for the local police force to penetrate this area. Even if they do, it is difficult to conduct searches in places spanning several acres. Rahul stays in the hideouts for only a few hours. As soon as it becomes clear that the police have caught wind of the move, Rahul moves to his new hideout.

It is also reported that Rahul was kept at a safe hiding place according to a pre-planned master plan. Necessary preparations were made for this event at the time when the complainant met the Chief Minister. Unconfirmed reports suggest that this was done with the knowledge of some top leaders in the Congress. The Chief Minister made this clear at a press conference in Ernakulam.

'If Congress people tell us where Rahul Mamkootathil is, we can catch him. Some have a policy of protecting the accused. There are some rumours about the places he has visited. Rahul's perversion has shocked the conscience of the state. The policy of protecting the sexual assault case accused is deplorable for a party with a tradition like the Congress,' the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, after the High Court stayed Rahul's arrest in the first case, Rahul filed an anticipatory bail application in the second case as well. Rahul demanded that the petition filed through fast-track proceedings be considered today itself.