Rahul Mamkootathil threatens survivor and unborn child, Congress refuses to act

Thiruvananthapuram: In a shocking escalation of allegations, a phone conversation has surfaced in which Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil threatened to kill both a sexual assault survivor and her unborn child after she refused to undergo abortion. The audio, released by a private channel, records Rahul forcing the woman to terminate the pregnancy, and when she resisted, he warned that killing her would take little time. To his chilling question, “How much time do I need if I want to kill you?”, the woman replied, “If you feel like killing me, then kill me.”

The survivor, currently living outside Kerala, revealed that Rahul had lured her with a marriage promise, sexually assaulted her, and then tried to coerce her into an unsafe abortion. He also threatened that if the baby was born, his political future would collapse and he might commit suicide. Another woman recently disclosed that Rahul had trapped her in a hotel room, assaulted her, forced her to take medicines, and later backed out of marriage promises. Similar complaints have now come forward from a Congress worker, a young actress, a journalist, a trans woman, another young woman, and an expatriate writer.

Despite mounting evidence, the Congress leadership has refused to expel him. DYFI has organised widespread protests across Kerala, including demonstrations in Vadakara targeting MP Shafi Parambil. Public anger continues to rise over the fact that a legislator accused of such heinous acts remains in office.

Rahul had attempted to hold a press conference in Adoor on Saturday, but senior leaders intervened and stopped him, fearing he might retaliate against survivors and expose similar scandals involving other Congress leaders. Reports indicate Rahul possesses digital evidence against several party figures, and the Satheesan–Rahul–Shafi faction has allegedly decided to use it as leverage to block demands for his resignation. Though Opposition Leader VD Satheesan repeated that stern action would follow, the leadership has privately agreed to avoid any immediate step.

AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi openly defended him, saying there was no need to resign since no official complaint had reached either the party or the police. In contrast, senior leader TN Prathapan acknowledged that public representatives must remain above suspicion, that the allegations were grave, and that Rahul stepping down would be the most appropriate course.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Women’s Commission has registered a suo motu case, ordering an inquiry into the serious charges, including forced abortion. Chairperson Adv. P Satheedevi said a preliminary report would be submitted based on detailed investigation and evidence. The State Child Rights Commission has also sought a report from the DGP on a complaint filed by an Ernakulam-based lawyer, directing that a case be registered and probed.

Congress MP Shafi Parambil, making his first media appearance since the scandal broke, appeared cornered when questioned. He denied fleeing to Bihar, claiming he had traveled from Delhi because it was more convenient. Shafi insisted he was neither hiding from the media nor protestors, adding that Rahul had resigned from the Youth Congress president post only after consulting party leadership, well before a court verdict, FIR, or official complaint emerged. Dismissing the ongoing public outrage as part of an “agenda to weaken Congress,” Shafi refused to answer directly when asked whether he already knew of Rahul’s guilt or innocence, walking away after stating he had nothing further to say.

With multiple survivors coming forward, state commissions taking suo motu action, and protests intensifying, the Congress party’s refusal to act decisively against Rahul Mankootathil has triggered growing political and public backlash.