Pathanamthitta, 17 Jan (H.S.):The Thiruvalla Magistrate Court will pronounce its order today on the bail application filed by MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a rape case. The court heard nearly two hours of intense arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on Tuesday before reserving its decision.

Opposing the bail plea, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) informed the court that procedures were under way to record the confidential statement of the survivor in a third related case. The prosecution argued that multiple complaints had been filed against the MLA and insisted that bail should not be granted at this stage. The SIT also told the court that the accused was not cooperating with the investigation, particularly during evidence collection and questioning.

Investigators further alleged that Rahul Mamkootathil had refused to share passwords required to retrieve crucial digital evidence, thereby hampering the probe.

The defence, meanwhile, produced chat records of the complainant before the court and maintained that the relationship was consensual. The defence counsel contended that the arrest was carried out in violation of legal procedures and argued that the accused, being a responsible elected representative, was unlikely to abscond if released on bail. The defence also assured the court that the MLA would fully cooperate with the investigation if granted bail.

According to the complaint, the alleged sexual assault took place in April 2024 at a hotel room in Thiruvalla. Two earlier complaints had also been registered against Rahul Mamkootathil. In those cases, he had obtained interim protection from arrest from the court. However, no such relief was granted in the present case, leading to his arrest and remand to judicial custody.

The defence has indicated that if the magistrate court rejects the bail plea, it will approach the sessions court for relief. Until the verdict is delivered, Rahul Mamkootathil will continue to remain in jail.

Meanwhile, police have arrested Fenny Nainan, a friend of the MLA and a Youth Congress leader, on charges of allegedly insulting and harassing the survivor in connection with the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman