Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Kerala government on December 11, approached the Kerala High Court challenging the order of a trial court granting anticipatory bail to MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the second rape case registered against him. On Wednesday, Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court District and Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to the former Congress leader.

The case emanates from a complaint accusing Mamkootathil of raping a woman in 2023 after inviting her to a resort under the pretext of discussing a potential marriage proposal. The victim, in her complaint, stated that the politician obtained her Telegram contact, persuaded her to meet him under the pretext of discussing future plans, and later took her to an isolated homestay along with a friend.

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Mamkootathil allegedly assaulted and raped the woman, resulting in multiple injuries to her body, according to the complaint, reports Bar and Bench. The Crime Branch subsequently registered the rape case based on the complaint forwarded by the KPCC President and initiated an investigation.

However, Mamkootathil denied the allegations, stating that they are false and politically motivated. He said that there was no material evidence to substantiate the allegations and that the entire case was intended to tarnish his public standing.

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The Congress had suspended Mamkootathil’s membership in August this year after allegations of sexual misconduct. He had also resigned from his position as Youth Congress Chief. The party expelled Mamkootathil last week, though he continues as a legislative member representing Palakkad.

Earlier, the session court judge had dismissed Mamkootathil’s petition for anticipatory bail in relation to another rape case filed against him.