Kerala MLA Faces New Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, representing Palakkad, is embroiled in fresh controversy after trans woman activist Avanthika accused him of sending “sexually regressive messages” and expressing “rape fantasies.” The allegations, which surfaced on Thursday, add to existing claims of sexual harassment against the MLA, prompting his resignation as Kerala Youth Congress President amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and public protests.

Avanthika, speaking to Malayalam media, detailed her interactions with Mamkootathil, which began during a TV debate for the Thrikkakara by-election. “After I sent him a friend request on social media, we became good friends. Initially, he called after 11 pm, but later it became non-stop, rarely discussing politics,” she said. She alleged that Mamkootathil sent disturbing messages, including a desire to “engage in sex in a way that resembles rape,” and claimed she reported this to Congress leaders, who took no action. “How can someone with such thoughts be a role model, let alone an MLA?” she questioned.

The controversy intensified following accusations by Malayalam actor Rini Ann George, who, without naming Mamkootathil, alleged that a prominent youth leader sent her offensive messages and invited her to a five-star hotel three years ago. George claimed she alerted senior party leaders, but they ignored her complaints, allowing the leader to gain prominent roles. “When I warned him, he said, ‘Go tell anyone, who cares?’” she recounted in a viral online interview, citing security concerns and distrust in the justice system for not filing a formal complaint. She added, “I’m speaking out for other women who faced harassment.”

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The BJP and CPI(M)’s youth wing, DYFI, swiftly pointed fingers at Mamkootathil, staging protests outside his Palakkad office that led to clashes with police. The BJP demanded his resignation as MLA, with posts on X amplifying the call: “Rahul Mamkootathil, a sexual predator, must go!” Writer Honey Bhaskaran also accused Mamkootathil of obscene conduct, alleging he misrepresented their social media interactions to portray her as the initiator.

Mamkootathil denied all allegations, stating, “I challenge anyone to prove these charges in court. No concrete complaint has been filed against me.” He dismissed an audio clip aired by a Malayalam news channel, which allegedly implicated him in forcing a woman to terminate a pregnancy, as “easily fabricated.” Claiming Rini George as a “good friend,” he insisted she wasn’t referring to him and maintained, “I have not done anything illegal in my conscience.”

Congress Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan assured that the party is investigating and will act accordingly. The allegations have sparked outrage, with X posts labeling Mamkootathil’s conduct a “disgrace to Kerala politics.” The controversy, coupled with earlier claims of financial misconduct and autocratic leadership in the Youth Congress, threatens Mamkootathil’s political standing as public and political pressure mounts.

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