Pathanamthitta, 15 January (H.S.): MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who is currently in judicial remand in connection with a rape case, will be produced before the Pathanamthitta First Class Judicial Magistrate Court today at around 2 p.m., as his custody period comes to an end.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has decided not to seek any further police custody of the legislator. Following his production before the court, Rahul Mankootathil is expected to be remanded back to jail. The court is scheduled to consider the bail application filed by the MLA tomorrow.
According to investigators, Rahul Mankootathil did not cooperate effectively during interrogation. The SIT claims that he refused to provide the password to his mobile phone, which the police believe contains crucial digital evidence related to the case. The investigation team is likely to inform the court about what it terms as the accused’s non-cooperation during custody.
The MLA, however, has taken the stand that his mobile phone contains evidence that could support his defence. He has argued that sharing the password with the police could lead to the loss or tampering of such material, and hence declined to hand it over.
Background of the case: Rahul Mankootathil was arrested following a complaint filed by a young woman who alleged that she was sexually assaulted. The case was registered after the complainant approached the police with detailed allegations, following which a Special Investigation Team was constituted considering the sensitivity and public interest involved. The arrest of the sitting MLA triggered political reactions across the state, with both the ruling and opposition fronts closely watching the developments.
The complainant is currently abroad, and as part of the ongoing probe, the SIT has initiated procedures to record her confidential statement through legal channels. Officials said the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts, including the examination of digital and circumstantial evidence. The case continues to draw attention as it moves into the next legal stage.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
