A day after a sessions court rejected his anticipatory-bail plea and triggered his expulsion from Indian National Congress, the Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a case involving alleged rape and forced abortion.
Background: What charges weigh on him
It accuses him of rape and coercing a woman into terminating her pregnancy.
A woman reportedly residing in Bengaluru has since registered a second complaint, expanding the scope of legal proceedings against him.
Prior to the FIRs, multiple women including a transgender individual had accused him of sexual harassment; those allegations had resulted in his suspension from party posts earlier in 2025.
Legal and political fallout
Following the sessions court’s denial of bail, the Congress state unit swiftly expelled him from the party’s primary membership.
However, the prosecution has argued custodial interrogation is essential, kerala citing concerns over possible influence, evidence tampering and the credibility of digital records (audio clips, chat logs, hospital certificates).
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