Police Records Statement of Survivor in Sexual Assault complaint Against Congress Councillor from Palakkad

Palakkad: The statement of the survivor has been recorded in connection with a complaint alleging sexual assault by a Congress councillor in Palakkad. According to her complaints, he reportedly lured the victim with promises of employment. The accused, Prashobh C Vatsan, is a close associate of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil and MP Shafi Parambil.

According to the complainant's statement, Prashobh befriended her after she came to Palakkad to pursue a beautician course, and subsequently sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions — at his residence, in his car, and later at a hotel — under the pretext of securing her a job. The complaint further states that when she informed him of her pregnancy, he pressured her into taking abortion medication. The accused reportedly told her that he shared close ties with the MLA and the MP, and showed her photographs of himself with both politicians. The complaint also notes that after the allegation came to light, Prashobh switched off his phone and became unreachable.

Prashobh serves as the councillor for Ward No. 24 of the Palakkad Municipality — the same ward where MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's residential flat is located. Notably, seven Congress office-bearers had previously resigned in protest when Prashobh was fielded as the party's candidate in the local body elections. He was also the person who organised the welcome reception when Rahul was released from jail and arrived in Palakkad.