Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police have intensified efforts to arrest Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, who is absconding after a case was filed against him for rape and other offences. The police had earlier decided to wait for the District Sessions Court order on Rahul’s anticipatory bail plea, which will be considered on Wednesday, before proceeding with the arrest.

Teams of the Kerala Police are currently conducting searches across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Bengaluru. Special teams have been formed under the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in all districts for this purpose.

Individuals close to Rahul are under surveillance. Joby Joseph, a friend of Rahul and the second accused in the case, has also gone into hiding. Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose is leading the investigation.

Police believe Rahul is unlikely to secure bail, as the survivor has submitted a detailed statement describing the harassment she faced, including a forced abortion. In her complaint, she provided specific dates on which she was allegedly assaulted at apartments in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad. Based on her statements, the police have charged the MLA with four sections related to rape, as well as the section pertaining to the sexual harassment of a pregnant woman.

Meanwhile, Rahul has submitted additional evidence before the court claiming innocence. The evidence submitted by his advocate includes details of WhatsApp chats, phone calls with the petitioner, and photos of the woman with her husband. Rahul has also disputed the survivor’s claim that she was married and estranged from her husband when she became pregnant. According to him, he had a close relationship with the woman, and she underwent the abortion of her own will.

It is learnt that Rahul will approach the High Court if the Sessions Court rejects his anticipatory bail plea.

Meanwhile, the police have emailed Meta, requesting the removal of defamatory posts against the survivor on Facebook.

Two suicide attempts
According to reports, the survivor’s statement to the police mentioned that she attempted suicide on two occasions. During the first attempt, she consumed an excessive dose of medication after facing sexual harassment from Rahul and the forced abortion. She spent several days in the hospital following the attempt.

 Later, she attempted to slash a vein in her hand. During treatment, she informed the doctor that Rahul had forced her to take two tablets for abortion. The doctor corroborated this statement to the police.