Nine Days on the Run, and Palakkad Still Has No Idea Where Its MLA Is

Palakkad: Congress MLA Rahul Mankootathil has been absconding for nine days in connection with multiple sexual assault cases. He went into hiding on November 27, immediately after the survivor met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in person and submitted her complaint. Since then, his MLA office in Palakkad has remained closed, creating uncertainty among constituents in the midst of the UDF’s local body election campaign.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has received information that Mankootathil crossed into Karnataka. Investigators suspect he travelled in a red Polo car belonging to a film actor friend, reportedly to evade arrest. CCTV footage of the vehicle has been secured by the team. During the escape, he is believed to have switched vehicles and mobile phones multiple times. There are also indications that certain Congress leaders in Karnataka may be assisting him.

Police have intensified the search for the MLA, including in border regions. Meanwhile, speculation is strong that Rahul may surrender before a court in Kerala today. The police intelligence wing has alerted district police chiefs to remain prepared for the possibility. Alvin, an employee at his MLA office, and Fazal, his driver, have already been taken into custody for questioning.

Earlier, while considering his anticipatory bail plea, the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court observed that there is a prima facie case against Mankootathil. He is accused of sexually assaulting a young woman, impregnating her, and forcing her to undergo an abortion. Citing the seriousness of the allegations and the gravity of the offences, the court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail, stating that such relief could not be justified at this stage.