The Kerala unit of the Indian National Congress has expelled Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil after a local court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a high-profile case. The decision came on Thursday, marking a decisive step by the party following allegations of sexual assault, forced abortion, and criminal intimidation against the legislator.
Mamkootathil, 36, had approached the Thiruvananthapuram court seeking anticipatory bail. He claimed that his relationship with the first complainant was consensual, that the abortion was voluntary, and that the accusations were politically motivated. The prosecution, however, presented evidence including WhatsApp chats, medical reports, and statements from doctors, arguing that the MLA had coerced the woman into terminating her pregnancy. The court observed that consent given under duress is invalid and found sufficient prima facie evidence to deny the bail.
This case surfaced earlier in August 2025 when a woman accused Mamkootathil of sexual assault and coercing her into an abortion. A second woman later came forward with allegations of sexual assault and physical harm, claiming that Mamkootathil had misled her under the pretext of marriage. Following these initial allegations, the Congress had suspended Mamkootathil from party roles and primary membership, but formal expulsion was deferred until further developments.
In response to the court ruling, the Kerala Congress leadership, with approval from the national office, expelled Mamkootathil from the party. State Congress president Sunny Joseph stated that the expulsion was a collective decision and called for the MLA to resign from his legislative position. Political leaders from other parties have also demanded clarity on whether he should continue as a representative of Palakkad.
Currently, Mamkootathil is absconding, prompting the Kerala police to issue a lookout notice and intensify their efforts to locate him. The case remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to collect evidence and statements to build their case against the legislator.
The expulsion and ongoing legal proceedings highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the Congress party’s attempt to maintain accountability with the growing public scrutiny of its leaders.
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