Thiruvananthapuram, 10 Dec (H.S.): The Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sessions Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Rahul Mankootathil in connection with a second sexual assault case filed by a 23-year-old woman from Bengaluru. The court granted bail after hearing detailed arguments from both sides. The anticipatory bail plea had been filed last Saturday afternoon.

The case was registered by the Crime Branch following a complaint emailed by the survivor to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president. The complaint was later forwarded to the Director General of Police, following which an FIR was registered. At the time the FIR was recorded, the victim’s detailed statement had not been taken. Subsequently, IG Poonguzhali personally recorded the woman’s statement.

According to the complaint, the woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted in 2023 at a homestay after being lured with a false promise of marriage. The defence argued that the complaint was suspicious, pointing out that it did not initially mention the name of the complainant, the exact date of the incident, or the location. The defence further claimed that the timing of the second complaint — coming soon after the court proceedings in the first case — pointed to a politically motivated conspiracy.

The prosecution, however, firmly opposed the bail plea, stating that the complaint was genuine and that the survivor had provided a clear and detailed account of the alleged assault. It argued that granting anticipatory bail could adversely affect the investigation.

In her confidential statement submitted to the court in a sealed cover, the survivor made serious allegations, stating that she was subjected to violent sexual assault after being taken to a homestay under the pretext of talking. She alleged that she suffered physical injuries across her body and that the assault continued despite her experiencing breathing difficulties. She further claimed that after the incident, the accused refused to marry her and that she was left mentally and physically shattered.

The woman also alleged that the accused continued to pursue her after the incident, abused her verbally when she did not answer his calls, and even made disturbing demands, including insisting on having a child together. She stated that she was afraid to pursue the case further due to fear and trauma.

It may be noted that in the first sexual assault case against Rahul Mankootathil, the district court had denied anticipatory bail. However, the High Court has granted interim protection from arrest until the 15th of this month.

Investigations in both cases are currently underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman