Overview
- Malayalam channel News Malayalam 24X7 released purported WhatsApp chats and audio that allege pressure to conceive and later terminate a pregnancy, and multiple outlets say they cannot verify the files.
- Rahul Mamkootathil denies breaking the law, says he is cooperating, plans legal action, and questions the timing and media practices around the releases.
- The Kerala Crime Branch’s SIT, formed after an August complaint by a third-party lawyer, has struggled to advance the probe without a formal complaint or statement from the woman.
- The political fallout has intensified during local body campaigning, with a BJP march to the MLA’s office and divided Congress responses including V. D. Satheesan saying the party cannot punish him again and Youth Congress leader Sajna B. Sajan urging his ouster.
- Despite suspension, Mamkootathil has been canvassing for UDF candidates in Palakkad, and senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran argues against destroying his political future.