Kochi: North Paravoor police have registered a case after actor Rini Ann George, who first brought allegations concerning MLA Rahul Mamkootathil into the public sphere, received a direct death threat outside her home. 

According to Rini, two separate individuals arrived near her residence in North Paravoor on Friday night, allegedly issuing threats meant to intimidate her for supporting women who have raised complaints against the MLA. 

Rini stated that the first incident occurred around 9 pm, when a man appeared at the gate of her house and attempted to open it. As her family members stepped out to check, the person sped away on a scooter. Initially, she dismissed the episode as minor.

However, at around 10 pm, a second man arrived outside the house and allegedly issued a verbal death threat.

“He said, ‘If you touch Rahul Mamkootathil, we will kill you.’ He also shouted a string of abuses before riding away. Since he was wearing a helmet, I couldn’t identify him,” Rini said.

She added that while she has been the target of cyber harassment ever since she voiced support for the complainants, this was the first time someone physically came to her home.

“Earlier, I used to receive abusive messages and threats online, but I never took them seriously. This is different. When someone comes to your gate at night and threatens you, it must be taken seriously,” she said.

“I have not named any youth leader in connection with the case so far. As a woman, I have simply stood with the survivors who came forward and I will continue to do so. I am not someone who gets intimidated easily,” Rini said.

Rini also expressed concerns that more attempts at intimidation may follow but reiterated that she would not back down. Her father, George Joseph, echoed Rini’s stand. “We believe these threats are meant to discourage more women from coming forward with complaints. We will not be scared by such tactics,” he said.

North Paravoor Police confirmed that a case has been registered based on the complaint filed by Rini’s father. The FIR includes charges under Section 329(3) for house trespass and Section 79 for insulting the modesty of a woman through words, gestures, or acts, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A police officer said they have begun verifying CCTV footage from the locality in an effort to identify the vehicles and the persons involved.  “We have inspected the complainant’s house and collected preliminary details. CCTV footage from the area is being examined, and we expect to trace the accused soon,” the officer said.