Arrested from same hotel where 'Blue Trolley Bag Controversy' took place; how much rent did Rahul pay daily?

PALAKKAD: The 'Blue Trolley Bag Controversy' that took place during the by-elections in Palakkad constituency in 2024 had gained national attention. The event that sparked political arguments at that time took place at the KPM Hotel in Palakkad town. Months later, Rahul Mamkootathil has been arrested in the sexual harassment case from the same KPM Hotel. The question that arises is why Rahul took a room in this hotel even though his MLA office was operating nearby.

Rahul had bought his own flat in Palakkad city after becoming an MLA. However, after continuous complaints and police presence, the association asked the MLA to move out of the flat. Rahul Mamkootathil used to stay at the KPM Hotel whenever he came to Palakkad. Rahul used to stay in this hotel by paying a daily rent of Rs. 2000.

Even the MLA's personal staff sometimes stay in the house in Kunnathurmedu that serves as the MLA's office. The police have now received the details of Rahul's chat with the complainant in the case where the MLA was arrested. Rahul had asked the woman to buy a flat for more than one crore rupees. The woman has given her statement to the police, including that she was exploited financially.

Meanwhile, the police have made serious allegations in the remand report against Rahul. The argument raised by Rahul in the previous cases is that of a consensual relationship, and he is expected to make a similar move in this case as well. However, legal experts state that it will not save Rahul this time.

The police have decided to proceed with the case by conducting an investigation, including DNA testing. A special investigation team took Rahul into custody from the hotel in Palakkad around midnight on Saturday.

The remand report says that the accused exploits single, married and housewives by promising marriage. The investigating officers say that the investigation is being conducted to prevent another Rahul Mamkootathil from happening again. It is reported that the police have received clear indications of physical abuse and financial exploitation by Rahul in connection with the case filed by the Thiruvalla native.

The police say that Rahul Mamkootathil is not cooperating with the investigation and interrogation. There are also indications that Rahul has been behaving without any worry, keeping silent to many questions. It is also reported that Rahul often refused to respond to questions that required a yes or no answer.