Transwoman alleges Rahul Mamkootathil sought sexual favours, sent vanish-mode texts

Kochi: Transwoman Avantika on Friday accused Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of sending her sexually suggestive messages. She said she became acquainted with him after the Thrikkakara byelection, and over time, his conversations turned increasingly perverse.

Avantika alleged that just before his press conference on Thursday, Mamkootathil called her asking her not to reveal these matters, and has since blocked her. She claimed he told her he wanted to rape her and suggested travelling to Bengaluru or Hyderabad for this purpose. The messages, she said, were sent on Telegram in vanish mode (or one-time watch), leaving her without evidence.

Mamkootathil resigned as Youth Congress state president on Thursday following allegations of misconduct from multiple women. Malayalam actor Rini Ann George had earlier accused an unnamed political leader of sending her offensive messages. Soon after, writer Honey Bhaskaran publicly named Mamkootathil in a Facebook post, alleging he had repeatedly sent her unsolicited messages. She said while the initial exchanges were casual, he persisted and she eventually cut off contact.

Avantika’s account
“I first came to know Rahul Mamkootathil after the Thrikkakara byelection. Since then, we have had a friendship. Over time, his conversations turned sexually suggestive and perverse. On one occasion, he told me directly that he wanted to rape me. He suggested that we go to Bangalore or Hyderabad for it. That was the kind of disturbing exchange I had with him, and it was a terrible experience.”

“Just before his press conference, he called me. I believe it was because he did not want these things to come out. Even when the news broke, he tried to contact me again. But now he has blocked me.

“He destroyed the evidence, since he sent messages via Telegram in vanish mode. Those disappear once viewed. I believe he deliberately planned it that way and has sent similar messages to many others. For nearly six months, he kept sending me such messages.

“Otherwise, the conversations were casual — like asking if I had tea, that sort of thing. It was after the actress came forward with her revelation that I, too, found the courage to speak up. But even now, after opening up, I face harassment in cyberspace. My family and I are being insulted and attacked online. What I revealed was only the wrong he did.

“Often, the very people who should stand with us end up insulting and abusing us online. This is what I had feared. I still feel some fear, because as human beings we can’t always remain in the same mental state. A flood of cyberattacks can shake you. When he told me that he wanted to rape me, I was scared, because I never expected such words from a people's representative. I believe he is a rapist, a man driven by such fantasies. Then the question arises: How can women be safe in such a situation? He has resigned from his Youth Congress post, but continues to be an MLA. A rapist does not qualify to remain in such a position.

“After that, our conversations reduced. When I stopped replying, all I got were ‘hi’ messages. Then one day he called again, and shortly afterwards the allegations against him surfaced. I feel he called me at that time only to stop me from speaking out.

“He says there is no complaint against him. I am interested in pursuing legal action against him. But the issue is, without any messages, how can I lodge a complaint?”