Congress has expelled suspended Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil as more sexual assault allegations came up.
Mamkootathil, the Congress MLA from the Palakkad constituency, had incidentally taken oath as the newly elected MLA on the same day a year ago on 4 December, 2024.
He was denied anticipatory bail on Thursday in a case involving fresh allegations of sexual assault. The court dismissed his petition after hearing the matter that had been posted for the day following arguments on Wednesday.
A new case was registered on Wednesday based on the complaint of a woman from Bengaluru. She alleged that Mamkootathil raped her after making false promises of marriage. The complaint has added to the growing list of accusations already facing the MLA.The situation escalated further when a woman Congress activist publicly stated that she too had a “bad experience" with Mamkootathil. Several other women party workers have also claimed similar experiences, increasing pressure on the Congress leadership in Kerala.
Many senior Congress leaders have openly demanded Mamkootathil’s expulsion. Former KPCC presidents V M Sudheeran and K Muraleedharan were among those calling for immediate action. Kerala PCC president Sunny Joseph and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said the party would take necessary steps based on the seriousness of the allegations.
Mamkootathil has rejected the accusations, stating in court that he is the victim of a “political conspiracy" allegedly planned by the CPM and the BJP. His claims, however, have not softened the calls for disciplinary action.
Mamkootathil was suspended from the Congress party in August after sexual assault allegations first surfaced. Despite this, he continued functioning as the Palakkad MLA because no formal complaints were filed at that time.
Last week, a woman submitted a written complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accusing him of sexual assault. Following this, the police registered a case and began investigating. Since then, Mamkootathil has been absconding, prompting further criticism and demands for action from within his party.
