Kochi ,6 Dec (H.S.):Palakkad MLA and rape-accused Rahul Mankootathil remained untraceable for the tenth consecutive day even as the investigation team intensified its search across multiple locations. Despite widespread efforts, police sources confirmed that Rahul continues to evade arrest by frequently switching mobile phones and vehicles during his time in hiding. Officials also revealed that his phone becomes active intermittently, adding to the complexity of the search.
Investigators believe Rahul may still be in Bengaluru, prompting a focused search operation in the city. With the Kerala High Court scheduled to consider his anticipatory bail plea today, officers say there is little likelihood of him surrendering voluntarily at this stage.
The anticipatory bail petition, which will be heard by the Bench of Justice K. Babu, argues that Rahul is innocent and that the rape allegations cannot stand. The petition claims the relationship between the complainant and Rahul was consensual and that the complainant’s decision to undergo an abortion was made independently. It also states that the complaint was filed without following due procedures.
Rahul maintains that he is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation and insists custodial interrogation is unnecessary. The petition further alleges political conspiracy behind the complaint and says crucial case documents have not been made available to him, requesting additional time to present evidence. Rahul adds that if his arguments fail to convince the court, he is willing to surrender.
Police officers point out that Rahul’s considerable influence in Karnataka is hindering efforts to apprehend him, and claim he is receiving political support that enables him to stay hidden. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have accused the ruling party of deliberately delaying the arrest to keep the issue alive until the local body elections. Senior leaders allege that investigators have received instructions not to arrest Rahul immediately.
In a separate development, arguments will continue today in the bail plea of activist Rahul Easwar, who is in judicial custody for allegedly insulting the survivor in the same case. Easwar, who had been on a hunger strike in jail, was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital after his health deteriorated. Though officials initially planned to return him to prison after preliminary treatment, he was admitted due to worsening health parameters.
The twin legal battles continue to generate political tremors across Kerala as both cases move forward in court.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
