Rahul Eashwar Arrested for Online Defamation of Sexual Assault Survivor

Thiruvananthapuram: Rahul Eashwar was arrested by the Cyber Police on Sunday for allegedly defaming a sexual assault survivor on public platforms. He has been taken into custody under a non-bailable provision, and his laptop and mobile phone have been seized. He is scheduled to be presented before the magistrate on Monday morning, and a medical examination will be conducted tonight.

The Cyber Police recorded the arrest, adding Section 75(3) of the BNS in connection with the case. Authorities said the arrest followed evidence that Eashwar had made sexual remarks against the survivor. He is the fourth accused in the case filed by the victim.

The police stated that Rahul Eashwar was apprehended based on evidence obtained during questioning at Nandavanam A R Camp. The victim had earlier filed a sexual assault and forced abortion complaint against Rahul Mamkoottathil and had lodged a separate complaint alleging that Eashwar had slandered her online.

Eashwar, a staunch supporter of Mamkoottathil and a representative of a men’s association, is currently being questioned by Cyber ACP A R Camp at Nandavanam. Authorities have seized his laptop, mobile phone, and other digital devices for further investigation.

According to police, Eashwar actively posted defamatory content about the victim on multiple platforms, including television discussions and online forums, while expressing support for Mamkoottathil and revealing the woman’s identity.

Meanwhile, Dr P Sarin stated that the disclosure of the survivor’s identity appeared to be part of a broader conspiracy involving a WhatsApp group of Congress leaders. The discussions reportedly took place within the Instant Response Team’s group, which manages the party’s social media posts and comments. Authorities believe such conspiracies may have emboldened individuals like Eashwar to harass and defame the victim.