Court Drama Unfolds in Rahul Mamkootathil's Bail Plea

A Kerala court deliberated on the bail plea of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, reserving its order for January 17. The MLA, accused in a third sexual assault case, argues that his arrest was illegal and claims a consensual relationship with the complainant, who booked their hotel meeting.

A Kerala court on Friday heard the bail plea of expelled Congress MLA, Rahul Mamkootathil, reserving its decision for January 17. The case was heard behind closed doors by the Thiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate, responding to a request from the prosecution.

Filed by advocate Sasthamangalam S Ajithkumar, the plea claims Mamkootathil's arrest for the third sexual assault case is illegal. The MLA alleges that in earlier cases, he was protected from arrest by higher courts, and in the recent case, procedural errors and a lack of proper communication marred his detention.

Mamkootathil maintains a consensual relationship with the complainant, arguing that she sought a meeting last October, long after the alleged incident. He further claims the complainant organized the hotel meeting, bolstering his defense against the charges under Sections 376 and 506(1) of the IPC.

(With inputs from agencies.)