Thiruvananthapuram, 11 Dec (H.S.):The Prosecution has decided to approach the Kerala High Court challenging the Principal Sessions Court’s order granting anticipatory bail to MLA Rahul Mankootathil in a sexual assault case filed by a Malayali woman residing in Bengaluru. The appeal is likely to be filed today (Thursday).

According to the Prosecution, the Sessions Court granted relief without fully considering the seriousness of the allegations levelled against a sitting public representative. The complaint accuses the MLA of brutally assaulting the survivor, causing injuries across her body, and threatening her to remain silent. The survivor reportedly told investigators that she delayed filing the complaint due to fear. It was only after another woman lodged a rape complaint against the MLA and the Crime Branch registered a case that she gained the courage to come forward, she said.

The Prosecution argues that granting bail to an influential accused at this stage could jeopardise the investigation, enabling potential destruction of evidence or influencing of witnesses. This, they stated, is the primary reason for urgently moving the High Court.

The Sessions Court had granted anticipatory bail to Rahul Mankootathil with strict conditions. He must appear before the investigating officer on alternate Mondays and whenever summoned. He is prohibited from contacting the complainant or witnesses directly or through intermediaries, and from attempting to threaten or influence anyone connected to the case. He must also refrain from destroying evidence. A bond of ₹50,000 has been mandated as part of the bail order.

Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court will consider Rahul Mankootathil’s anticipatory bail plea in the first rape case registered against him on December 15.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman