THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch on Thursday slapped rape charges against Perumbavoor MLA Eldhose Kunnapilly in the case of harassing his teacher friend. Kovalam police had earlier registered a case on the woman's complaint that the MLA had beaten the woman. However, the Crime Branch took over the case after the woman alleged that Kovalam CI also intervened to settle the case. The Crime Branch slapped new charges against the MLA based on the statement given by the woman before the District Magistrate.

The woman will soon be subjected to a medical examination. With the Crime Branch slapping rape charges against the MLA, he will have to be arrested under non-bailable provisions. The investigation team will approach the Speaker for this. Further action will be taken with the permission of the Speaker. Before this, the investigation team will submit its report before the District Magistrate Court.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Eldhose is still absconding. The court will consider his anticipatory bail plea on Saturday.