Rahul Mamkoottathil will no longer be accepted as an MLA: CPIM state secretary M V Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI M state secretary M V Govindan has stated that Rahul Mamkoottathil should no longer remain an MLA. Commenting on the sexual misconduct allegations against Mamkoottathil, Govindan said the Chief Minister has received a formal complaint supported by evidence and that Mamkoottathil should not occupy the MLA post even for a moment.

Refuting claims that Congress had suspended Rahul, Govindan pointed out that it was Mamkoottathil who was leading the party’s campaign in Palakkad. “The assertion that Congress suspended Rahul is baseless. He was actively campaigning for the party in Palakkad,” he said.

The remarks come after a sexual harassment complaint was filed with the Chief Minister by a woman, following which Mamkoottathil locked and abandoned his MLA office. He reportedly disappeared in the middle of a candidate campaign programme. During investigations into his absence at a reception centre, where he had promised to appear, it was discovered that he was in hiding. By the time journalists arrived, his office was locked.

The complaint alleges that Mamkoottathil subjected the woman to sexual exploitation and coerced her into undergoing an abortion. The case is now being investigated by a special Crime Branch team.