Kerala MLA's Legal Woes Deepen: Rahul Mamkootathil Back in Custody

Rahul Mamkootathil, an expelled Congress MLA from Kerala, has been remanded back to judicial custody in a sexual assault case. Brought before Magistrate Anjali Devi after his SIT custody expired, Mamkootathil awaits his bail hearing. He was arrested in connection to a third assault allegation by a Kottayam native.

Rahul Mamkootathil, an expelled Congress MLA from Kerala, was once again placed in judicial custody on Thursday as part of an ongoing sexual assault case. This decision followed his appearance at the residence of Pathanamthitta Second Class Magistrate Anjali Devi after the expiry of his three-day custody with the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Despite his legal troubles, the SIT had not requested an extension of custody. After the court's decision, Mamkootathil was transferred to the Mavelikkara special sub jail under substantial police protection. Earlier in the day, he underwent a medical examination before his appearance at the magistrate's residence.

The MLA's legal battles continue as his bail plea is scheduled to be heard on Friday. His arrest last Sunday in Palakkad was linked to a third accusation of sexual assault, filed by a Kottayam native. The new charges have compounded his legal challenges, having already faced protection against arrest in two previous cases. The woman's testimony, given via video conference from Canada, has led to charges under sections 376 and 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code.

(With inputs from agencies.)