Judicial hammer falls hard on Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, remanded for 14 days in a custodial probe into grave sexual harassment charges. The Nemom representative’s arrest marks a dark chapter, triggered by a courageous complaint from a female party associate detailing predatory behavior.
Unpacking the case: It involves alleged assaults during closed-door meetings, backed by text logs, voice notes, and corroborative testimonies from fellow activists. State police, under DGP orders for sensitivity, expedited the process, filing charges that could attract life imprisonment if proven.
In a packed Aluva courtroom, defense pleas for interim bail citing medical grounds fell flat against the prosecution’s dossier of irrefutable leads. Magistrate’s ruling emphasized public interest and victim safety, dispatching the MLA to Central Jail, Kochi.
Politically, it’s a minefield. Congress faces internal rebellion with youth wing demanding ouster; rivals gloat over perceived hypocrisy on #MeToo fronts. Civil society echoes the sentiment, pushing for mandatory background checks on candidates.
As layers peel back—possibly revealing a pattern—this saga challenges Kerala’s progressive image on women’s rights. Stakeholders await charge sheet filing, but for now, Mamkootathil’s silence speaks volumes. The incident serves as a stark reminder: No one is above the law, especially those we elect to serve.