PALAKKAD: In a high-voltage midnight operation, the Kerala Police took Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil into custody from a private hotel in Palakkad. An eight-member team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and including woman officers, executed the move at approximately 12:30 AM on Sunday at the KPM Hotel.
A Meticulously Planned Operation According to police sources, the Pathanamthitta police team arrived in two jeeps after receiving a fresh complaint via e-mail. The team had been monitoring the MLA since he arrived at the hotel on Saturday morning. In a scene reminiscent of a thriller, the police reportedly seized the mobile phones of the hotel reception staff before heading straight to the MLA’s room. Though Rahul initially refused to leave his room and demanded to see his lawyer, he eventually yielded to the police pressure.
Gravity of the Allegations The new case involves serious non-bailable charges, including rape, forced abortion, financial exploitation, and death threats. This marks the third sexual assault case filed against the young legislator. While the High Court had stayed his arrest in the first case and a trial court had granted anticipatory bail in the second, this third complaint has left him without immediate legal protection.
Political Fallout The timing of the arrest is significant as Rahul was becoming active in his constituency following recent controversies. The police shifted him to Thiruvananthapuram for further interrogation and medical examination. Meanwhile, his legal team and supporters have raised concerns about the manner in which the custody was initiated, especially while his personal staff were away from the room.
