Second Sexual Assault Complaint Against Rahul Mamkootathil; Special Team Led by Woman IPS Officer to Probe

Thiruvananthapuram: A second sexual assault complaint against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil will be investigated by a special team headed by a woman IPS officer. The complaint was filed by a 23-year-old woman from Pathanamthitta district, currently residing in Bengaluru, who alleged that Rahul took her to a homestay, promised marriage, and assaulted her. The complaint submitted to the KPCC was forwarded by the party president to the DGP for further action.

According to the complaint, the woman first came into contact with Rahul through social media in 2023. She alleged that he sexually assaulted her after promising marriage. The assault reportedly took place in December 2023 at a friend’s homestay.

Her family initially opposed the marriage proposal because Rahul did not have a stable job. However, after he became the Youth Congress state president, they agreed to consider it. Rahul also told her that he would visit her home to discuss the marriage with her family.

Before that could happen, Rahul allegedly asked to meet her alone. His friend, Feni Ninan, then took her to a remote location outside the city, where the assault was said to have taken place without her consent.

Acting on the complaint, the Crime Branch registered a case against Mamkootathil under charges including rape. The FIR states that the survivor was subjected to brutal sexual assault. After the case was registered, police issued a notice asking her to record her statement, and she has confirmed her willingness to do so. The investigation has been entrusted to IPS officer Poonguzhali.

With the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court rejecting his anticipatory bail plea yesterday, Rahul now has no legal option other than to surrender. Following the court order, the Congress party expelled him. Senior party leaders have publicly distanced themselves from him and have called for his resignation from the MLA post.