Rape Accused MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Expected to Vote in Palakkad After Receiving Anticipatory Bail

Rahul's vote is registered at Booth No. 2 of St. Sebastian's School (File)

Thiruvananthapuram:

After receiving anticipatory bail from the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court in the second rape case, Rahul Mamkootathil is reportedly planning to arrive in Palakkad on Thursday.

Sources reveal that Rahul, who has been evading authorities for approximately two weeks, is likely to return specifically to exercise his voting rights.

Rahul is registered to vote at Booth No. 2 of St. Sebastian's School in Kunnathurmedu, located in the same vicinity as his apartment within Ward 24 of Palakkad Municipality.

On November 27, a young woman filed a sexual assault complaint against Rahul, submitting it directly to the Chief Minister. Following this, Rahul disappeared from public view. With the recent court order granting him bail, speculation suggests he will cast his vote tomorrow.

Regarding the first rape case, the Kerala High Court had previously issued a stay on Rahul's arrest. The High Court is scheduled to announce its decision on his anticipatory bail application in that case on Monday. Under current court directives, authorities cannot arrest Rahul in the first case, and if detained in the second case, he must be released on bail, making his freedom from custody probable.

The Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail on Wednesday afternoon with specific conditions attached. Rahul must present himself to the investigating officer every Monday between 10 and 11 am. Additionally, the court mandated his release on bail if arrested in connection with this particular case.

This bail order followed three days of legal arguments. Meanwhile, police have incorporated additional charges against Rahul, including stalking, wrongful restraint, and house trespass.

Prosecution officials have decided to contest the bail order. They plan to file an appeal with the higher court as soon as they receive the written order, expected either later today or by tomorrow.

With the interim protection from the Kerala High Court concluding on Monday, December 15, the MLA has limited opportunity to evade authorities again, as any such attempt would violate the bail conditions established in the second FIR against him.