Verdict on Anticipatory Bail Plea of Palakkad Congress Councillor in Rape Case Deferred

Palakkad: The Mannarkkad SC/ST Court has deferred its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by municipal councillor Prashobh V Vatsan, who is accused of sexually assaulting a young woman after promising her a job and allegedly impregnating her.

Prashobh, a councillor from the 24th ward of the Palakkad municipality, has been booked under charges of rape and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court is expected to pronounce its order on the bail plea tomorrow.

According to the survivor’s complaint, Prashobh befriended her when she had come to Palakkad to pursue a beautician course. He allegedly lured her with promises of employment and sexually assaulted her at multiple locations, including her residence, inside his car, and at a hotel.

The complaint further states that when she informed him of her pregnancy, he pressured her to take abortion pills. The accused allegedly claimed to have close connections with political leaders and showed her photographs with prominent figures, including MPs and MLAs, to intimidate her.

The woman also told police that Prashobh switched off his phone and went into hiding after she filed the complaint.

Police are probing whether the accused received assistance while absconding. The survivor has alleged that he invoked the names of political leaders, including MPs V K Sreekandan and Shafi Parambil, and even made a video call to one of them to threaten her.

The accused is also closely acquainted with Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Mamkootathil, who is also facing multiple sexual assault cases went into hiding before getting an anticipatory bail. He came out from hiding after 15 days to vote for Prashobh during the local body elections in December. Now, following Rahul Mamkootathil's path, Prashobh has also gone into hiding.

Further investigation is underway.