After remaining untraceable for more than two weeks, Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil—accused in two separate rape cases—made a public appearance on Thursday to cast his vote in the local body elections. He arrived around 4.30 pm at Booth No. 2 in Kunnathurmedu, Palakkad, amid widespread speculation about whether he would show up.

Police had been searching for him for 15 days after the Nemom police registered a case alleging rape, forced abortion, criminal intimidation and misuse of private images. Later, the Crime Branch registered another case based on the complaint of a 23-year-old woman who accused the MLA of raping her after promising marriage.

Rahul has secured anticipatory bail from the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court in the Crime Branch case and interim protection from arrest from the High Court in the Nemom case.

After voting, he briefly addressed the media, saying the cases were before the courts. “What I have to say and what is said against me are already before the court. Let the court decide. I believe the truth will prevail,” he said. "I will be here," he added. He,  accompanied by his associates, later stopped at a nearby tea shop before leaving the area.

He also exchanged a brief chat with people he knew as he came out of the booth. He then went to his MLA office and spoke with the neighbours there as well. Meanwhile, people, including supporters of the LDF and BJP, gathered around him in protest with slogans and placards, prompting the police to intervene and ensure Rahul’s safety.

Rahul was suspended from the Congress in August following allegations of sexual misconduct. He was removed from the parliamentary party and relieved of his post as Youth Congress state president. Despite disciplinary action, he continued to appear in public until a survivor’s complaint to the Chief Minister prompted the Nemom police to register an FIR. Congress expelled him from the party after the Thiruvananthapuram district court rejected his bail plea.