Palakkd, 11 Jan (H.S.):In a major late-night development that has intensified political and legal scrutiny in Kerala, the State Crime Branch arrested sitting MLA Rahul Mankootathil after a third rape complaint was registered against him. The arrest was carried out around 12.30 a.m. from Palakkad, hours after investigators received a fresh complaint through email, officials confirmed.

According to the Crime Branch, the latest complaint was addressed to the Chief Minister and was subsequently handed over for investigation. After examining the contents of the complaint, the Crime Branch decided to take the MLA into custody. Rahul was taken to the Crime Branch AR Camp in Pathanamthitta, where his arrest was formally recorded.

The complainant has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at Thiruvalla and subjected to extreme physical and mental cruelty. In her statement, she claimed that the assault was brutal in nature and left her traumatised. She has further alleged that Rahul compelled her to undergo an abortion against her consent.

The complaint also includes allegations of financial exploitation. The woman has accused the MLA of pressuring her to arrange the purchase of a flat in Palakkad and of subjecting her to sustained economic harassment. Investigators said these allegations would be probed alongside the charges of sexual assault.

With the registration of the latest case, the number of criminal cases against Rahul Mankootathil has now risen to three. In the first case filed earlier, the Kerala High Court had granted him protection from arrest. In the second case, a trial court had allowed him anticipatory bail until January 21. The third complaint, however, has altered the legal landscape, leading to his immediate arrest by the Crime Branch.

Officials said the MLA would be questioned in detail as part of the investigation. After the initial interrogation, he is expected to be produced before the Thiruvalla Magistrate Court. The Crime Branch may seek further custodial interrogation to verify the allegations, examine digital evidence, and scrutinise any financial transactions linked to the case.

The arrest has generated widespread political and public attention across Kerala. Several quarters have called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation, while authorities have maintained that the probe will proceed strictly in accordance with the law. The Crime Branch has reiterated that all aspects of the complaint will be examined objectively and that further action will be based solely on evidence collected during the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman