Controversial Kerala MLA Casts Vote Amidst Rape Allegations

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil voted in Kerala's local elections despite being accused of rape. Although absconding, his arrest is currently stayed by the Kerala High Court. The case includes multiple charges under BNS 2023. Thiruvananthapuram court had earlier denied him anticipatory bail.

Embattled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, facing serious allegations of rape, has managed to participate in the Kerala local body elections despite being on the run. Mamkootathil, who appeared at a polling station in Palakkad last Thursday at 4:50 PM, had been untraceable for 15 days.

The accusations against him are severe, involving charges of sexual assault, rape under false marital promises, and forced abortion, following a complaint by a woman. Initially filed at the Nedumangad Valiyamala Police Station, the FIR was subsequently transferred to the Nemom Police Station, aligning with the jurisdiction of the alleged crimes. His arrest was temporarily halted by the Kerala High Court on December 6, pending further deliberations, with a hearing slated for December 15.

The High Court stay came after the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court refused his plea for anticipatory bail. The case includes comprehensive charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, addressing multiple non-bailable offenses such as repeated rape and causing miscarriage without consent. Simultaneously, the local elections in Kerala are progressing, covering 1,199 of the state's 1,200 local governing bodies, with a turnout of 70.9% recorded in the first phase.

(With inputs from agencies.)