Rape case: Congress expels Rahul Mamkootathil after TVM court rejects bail plea

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress on Thursday expelled Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the primary membership of the party after the District Sessions Court here dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in the rape case registered by the Nemom police. He was removed from the party exactly one year after being sworn in as the Palakkad MLA on December 4, 2024.

The prosecution also presented additional digital evidence against Rahul during the hearing. The proceedings on Wednesday were held in camera before Judge S Nazeera, who reserved orders and decided to resume the hearing on Thursday.

The party had earlier stated that it would wait for the court’s order before taking any disciplinary action, adding that further steps would follow if the MLA were found guilty. Rahul had also filed an interim plea seeking protection from arrest. The disgraced MLA, who has been absconding since the case was registered, is likely to surrender today.  According to reports, he might surrender before a court, either in Kasaragod or Kannur.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the party’s current action against Rahul was taken with the approval of the AICC and noted that it would be appropriate for Rahul to resign from the MLA post. He added that the decision had already been finalised and was announced simultaneously with the court order.

Rahul was suspended from the Congress in August following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He was subsequently removed from the parliamentary party and relieved of his position as state Youth Congress president. Although he continued appearing in public programmes, the recent complaint submitted directly to the Chief Minister led to the registration of an FIR and an intensified probe.

The case was registered by the Nemom police based on a complaint forwarded by the Chief Minister’s Office, in which the survivor alleged that Rahul sexually assaulted her, forced her to terminate a pregnancy, and used videos—recorded without her consent—to threaten and coerce her. He was booked under sections 64 (2)(f) (rape by a person in a position of trust or authority), 64 (2)(h) (rape knowing the woman is pregnant), 64 (2)(m) (repeated rape on the same woman), 89 (causing miscarriage without consent), 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351 (3) (criminal intimidation), and 3 (5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have also invoked Section 66 (E) of the Information Technology Act for the alleged recording and threat of misuse of private images.

Meanwhile, Rahul has submitted additional evidence to the court to assert his innocence. His counsel presented WhatsApp messages, call logs and photographs of the survivor with her husband, arguing that the relationship was consensual and that she voluntarily underwent the abortion. The defence claims her allegations are fabricated and politically motivated.

Rahul then sought an in-camera hearing, arguing that public proceedings could seriously affect his public life, reputation, and ability to discharge his constitutional responsibilities as a sitting MLA. His plea stated that the exhibits produced before the court—photographs, audio clips, and other digital materials—relate to the personal dignity of both parties and require confidential handling. The petition also noted that exposing such evidence in an open courtroom could violate statutory protections of identity and privacy and risk misuse by unrelated parties, including the media.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch also registered a case against the MLA for allegedly sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman. The case was filed after the survivor emailed a complaint to KPCC president Sunny Joseph, who forwarded it to the state police chief seeking action. Rahul has been charged under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Truth surfaced: Rini Ann George
Actor Rini Ann George, the first to raise allegations against Rahul, said the latest developments prove that “no matter how hard the truth is buried under lies, it will eventually surface.” Describing the order as “the beginning of a victory for women,” she said it represents a crucial step towards justice for survivors. “I share the happiness of every survivor who has endured unimaginable pain,” she told the media. Rini urged more survivors to come forward courageously, assuring them they are no longer alone. She also expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership for what she termed a woman-friendly stance in expelling Rahul after the court’s order. “I thank the Congress party on behalf of all survivors,” she said.

Addressing the backlash she faced, Rini said she withstood severe cyberattacks and attempts to discredit her. “Today, I am proud that my voice became a reason for others to rise and seek justice,” she noted. “For long, many may have remained silent out of fear. Now, they can step forward with confidence, knowing the police, media, courts, and society will support them,” she added.

Not personal, only party-built friendship: Shafi Parambil
Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil stated that his association with Rahul Mamkoottathil was purely political and developed within the Congress organisation. “Our friendship evolved through the party, not through any personal relationship. Supporting young leaders who rise from within the organisation is essential to ensure leadership continuity. We will continue to promote those who work sincerely in the KSU and Youth Congress to the mainstream,” he said.

He emphasised that any support extended to Rahul was based solely on his organisational responsibilities and political initiatives. “It was never related to his personal life,” Shafi stressed. Rahul was elected as the MLA from Palakkad after the seat became vacant when Shafi won the Lok Sabha election from Vadakara.

Speaking about the recent disciplinary action, Shafi said the Congress took a firm stand. “The party decided to remove him from all positions even before a formal legal complaint was registered—this was a benchmark decision. When a complaint was later submitted, the KPCC president immediately handed it over to the DGP instead of conducting an internal inquiry. After consulting the state and central leadership, the party took the strongest step—expulsion. It is a decisive and exemplary move that no other political party would dare to take,” he said.