Kerala CM Slams Congress Amid Controversial MLA's Legal Battle

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the court's interim protection for expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, embroiled in a rape and forced abortion case, as standard procedure. The Congress, distancing itself from Mamkootathil, insists on non-involvement in his legal tactics amid Vilification by the CM for sheltering him.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the controversy surrounding the interim protection granted to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil by the high court in a rape and forced abortion case, deeming it customary and part of procedural norms. He emphasized the norm of awaiting court decisions in such cases.

Vijayan accused the Congress party of harboring Mamkootathil, branding the former MLA as having a ''criminal character''. He further alleged that Congress's political backing has aided Mamkootathil's evasion from law enforcement. Despite these claims, Congress leaders maintain that Mamkootathil is no longer associated with them after being expelled.

The Kerala High Court has temporarily stayed Mamkootathil's arrest until his anticipatory bail hearing on December 15. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has distanced itself from Mamkootathil, asserting its clear stance post-expulsion and dismissing accusations of ongoing political support.

(With inputs from agencies.)