Shafi Parambil Avoids Media Questions on Serious Allegations Against Rahul Mankootathil

Kozhikode: Shafi Parambil evaded media questions regarding the serious sexual harassment allegations faced by Rahul Mankootathil. New evidence relating to sexual exploitation by Rahul had surfaced the previous day. When questioned about this, Shafi refused to comment.

Without mentioning Rahul’s name, Shafi said the party had already taken whatever action was necessary and would take further steps if required. He added that any additional responses would be decided by the party. As reporters continued to press him, Shafi attempted to divert the conversation to other topics and eventually walked away without answering.

Shafi had earlier defended Rahul even when serious allegations first emerged. Despite demands from senior leaders for action against Rahul, Shafi continued to stand by him as a close supporter.

New audio clips and chat messages were released on Monday in which Rahul was allegedly heard forcing a young woman to terminate her pregnancy. Media reports revealed strong evidence showing Rahul initially demanding the woman to become pregnant and later insisting that she must undergo an abortion. A WhatsApp message from Rahul asking the woman to conceive was also made public.

However, Rahul later changed his stance and repeatedly demanded that the woman go for an abortion. The woman is heard questioning why Rahul, who initially wanted a child as part of his “plan,” had suddenly changed his mind. Instead of answering, Rahul verbally abused her.

Rahul refused to deny the authenticity of the audio clips when confronted by the media. When asked why he did not file a defamation case if the recordings were fake, Rahul replied vaguely that he would “look into it,” and walked away.

The Congress party had earlier suspended Rahul Mankootathil from primary membership after multiple women, including party’s own women leaders, raised serious allegations against him. The party had asserted that it no longer had any association with the MLA. However, Rahul continues to appear actively in Congress events, including those held during the ongoing local body election campaign.