Dalit woman alleges sexual assault by Congress councillor; Rahul Mamkootathil's close aide on the run

PALAKKAD: A case was registered against a Congress councillor in Palakkad Municipality for allegedly sexually harassing a Dalit woman on the promise of a job. The woman filed a complaint with the Chief Minister against Ward 24 councillor Prasobh C Valsan. The police launched a search for Prasobh, who is now at large.

In the complaint, the woman alleged that she was harassed several times by the councillor. It is said that the councillor got acquainted with her over time and first sexually assaulted her at her own house. Another time, after convincing her of a new job in a store in Pattambi, the councillor made her travel along with him in a car to the location and sexually assaulted her throughout the journey. He also raped her near the Palakkad District Hospital.

In the complaint, it is mentioned that the councillor even summoned the victim to a hotel with lewd intentions. During this time, the victim covertly captured photos of him, which she handed over to the police. The woman said she decided to go forward with the complaint after getting fed up with the continuous threats and harassment from the councillor.

Prasobh is a close aide of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.

Rahul, who was embroiled in controversies in connection with another case, first appeared before the public after a long time to vote for Prasobh. After winning the municipal elections, Prasobh first went to meet Rahul.

The Dalit woman's complaint is likely to be filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and sexual assault. The police have expanded the investigation with the help of the cyber cell to find the accused.