Expelled Congress MLA Reappears to Vote After 14-Day Hiatus Amid Sexual Assault Cases

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who had vanished from public view for exactly 14 days after two separate sexual assault cases were registered against him, made a calculated and heavily guarded appearance in Palakkad on Thursday morning exclusively to exercise his franchise in the local body elections.

Flanked by private security and plainclothes policemen, Mamkootathil reached St. Sebastian’s School polling station in Kunnathurmedu South shortly after voting began, cast his ballot in silence, and departed within minutes, marking his first sighting since the allegations erupted and triggered his expulsion from the party.

Addressing a swarm of reporters for less than thirty seconds, the former Palakkad legislator declared, “Whatever needs to be said has already been placed before the honourable court. The court will examine the evidence, and truth will ultimately prevail.” He refused to take any questions and was whisked away in a waiting vehicle.

Also Read: Expelled Congress MLA Secures Bail in 2nd Sexual Assault FIR After 13 Days Absconding

The brief resurfacing follows judicial relief granted earlier this week: a Thiruvananthapuram sessions court allowed anticipatory bail in the second rape case with stringent conditions that he must appear before investigators whenever summoned, surrender his passport, refrain from tampering with evidence, and avoid all contact with witnesses, and not leave Kerala without permission, while the Kerala High Court continues interim protection from arrest in the first case.

Congress leadership expelled him last week citing irreparable damage to party image as multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual assault and coercion, intensifying political fallout and prompting the Crime Branch to accelerate the investigation into his fortnight-long disappearance even as his sudden voting-day appearance raises fresh questions about coordination and legal strategy.

Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan Alleges ‘Influential Individuals’ Sheltering Absconding Congress MLA