NATIONAL: Suspended Cong MLA Mamkootathil Accused of Sexual Exploitation
In a stunning turn just days before Kerala’s local body polls, suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil faces fresh allegations of sexual exploitation.
A woman handed her complaint directly to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, detailing claims of coercion and harm. The move has ignited fierce debate across the state’s political landscape.
Formal Complaint Sparks Probe
The Chief Minister wasted no time, passing the document straight to the Crime Branch for swift action.
Sources indicate an FIR could follow soon, paving the way for deeper investigations and possibly an arrest.
This formal step ends months of speculation fueled by unverified reports.
Mamkootathil, who has kept a low profile since his August suspension, broke his silence on social media.
He insisted on his innocence, vowing to fight the claims in court. “Truth will always triumph,” he posted, echoing a resolve that resonates with his loyal base.
Backdrop of Earlier Turmoil
The legislator’s woes trace back to harassment accusations from several women last year, leading to his ouster from party roles.
He stepped down as Kerala Youth Congress president amid the uproar but held onto his MLA seat from Palakkad. No charges were filed then, a point his allies hammered home repeatedly.
This week’s viral audio clips and chat logs added fuel to the fire, painting a troubling picture of alleged pressure on a young woman.
The leaks spread rapidly online, drawing sharp criticism and calls for accountability from all sides.
Campaign Trail Under Siege
Despite the shadows, Mamkootathil has pushed hard to reclaim ground in Palakkad.
He’s led door-to-door outreach, rallied supporters in streets, and even swayed officials to accept a UDF nomination. Such efforts briefly boosted his standing among local workers.
Supporters point to pushback from rivals in the CPI(M) and BJP, claiming public outcry forced them to relent.
Yet with polls on December 11, this latest blow threatens to derail his momentum entirely. Observers see a brewing clash of law and votes.
Rival Reactions Heat Up
Former BJP state chief K. Surendran wasted no words, urging Mamkootathil to quit as MLA without delay.
“The game is up,” he declared, framing it as a moral imperative. Congress voices, meanwhile, urge caution, stressing the need for due process.
As the Crime Branch gears up, the saga blends personal stakes with electoral drama. Will justice unfold before ballots are cast, or will it linger as a campaign ghost?