Pathanmthitta , 11 Jan (H.S.):Pathanamthitta MLA Rahul Mankootathil who was a former Youth Congress president and expelled from Congress party was on Sunday remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by the Pathanamthitta District Magistrate in connection with a rape case registered against him.
Following the court order, he was lodged at the Mavelikkara Special Sub Jail.
The court also dismissed his plea seeking bail.
Rahul Mamkootathil was produced before the magistrate after completing a mandatory medical examination at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital.
Earlier, when he was taken to the district hospital for medical tests, the premises witnessed intense protests by activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youth wing, Yuva Morcha. Protesters surrounded the police jeep, shouted slogans against the MLA, and attempted to obstruct the police from escorting him inside the hospital.
The situation turned tense as the protesters laid siege to the vehicle and heckled the accused, forcing the police to struggle to move him out of the jeep. There were brief scuffles between the police and the protesters as officers tried to disperse the crowd and ensure his safe transfer. Heavy police presence was deployed to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Police said Rahul Mankootathil was arrested in a dramatic late-night operation from a hotel in Palakkad around 12.30 am. He was taken into custody and brought to the Pathanamthitta AR Camp in the early hours of the morning. Subsequently, he was questioned by a Special Investigation Team led by DIG G. Poonguzhali, IPS.
The arrest relates to the third rape case registered against the MLA. The complainant, a woman from Pathanamthitta district, had submitted her complaint via email to senior police officials. In her complaint, she alleged brutal sexual assault, forced abortion, and financial exploitation. Based on these grave allegations, the police registered a case and proceeded with the arrest after preliminary verification.
Investigators said the Special Investigation Team is examining electronic evidence, medical records, and financial transactions linked to the allegations. Statements of key witnesses are also being recorded as part of the probe. Police officials indicated that further legal steps would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The case has triggered sharp political reactions and public outrage in the district, with youth organisations demanding strict action and speedy justice. Authorities have said law and order will be maintained and that the investigation will proceed without political interference, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
