Kerala Sessions Court Hears Rahul Mamkootathil’s Bail Plea in Third Rape Case, Next Hearing Set for Saturday

Overview

• The Principal District and Sessions Court in Pathanamthitta heard arguments on January 22 and scheduled further hearing for January 24 on the MLA’s regular bail application.
• He seeks bail in a third rape case following his January 11 arrest after the Judicial First Magistrate Court, Thiruvalla denied bail last week.
• Prosecutors allege he raped the complainant at a hotel on April 8, 2024 after meeting her on social media, leading to a pregnancy and later miscarriage, with charges under IPC Sections 376 and 506(i).
• The defense asserts the relationship was consensual and challenges the case on procedural grounds, citing delay in the FIR, issues with the electronic statement, lack of a mandatory medical exam, and non-communication of arrest grounds.
• In a separate anticipatory bail matter, the complainant filed detailed objections with sealed materials, and the Kerala High Court extended interim protection to the MLA pending a January 28 hearing.