Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Remanded to Three Days’ Police Custody in Rape Case

The Tiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Tuesday remanded Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to three days’ police custody in connection with a rape case. The Special Investigation Team had requested seven days of custody, but the court limited the period and directed the SIT to produce him before it by the evening of January 15. The decision followed his arrest and appearance before the magistrate earlier in the day.

Hundreds of protesters from DYFI and Yuva Morcha gathered outside the court premises, raising slogans and displaying banners in protest against the MLA’s arrest. Police formed a tight security cordon, using shields to protect Mamkootathil as he was escorted to the police vehicle. Some demonstrators hurled rotten eggs toward him during the movement, though none struck the accused. He was subsequently shifted to the Armed Reserve camp under heavy security arrangements.

Mamkootathil’s defence counsel argued before the court that his bail application should be considered prior to the custody plea and described the arrest as illegal. The lawyers contended that the case carried strong political motivations. They highlighted that the police had allegedly disregarded legal procedures by rushing the arrest in this third case, despite a stay on arrest in one prior matter and anticipatory bail granted in another.

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The magistrate rejected the defence’s request to prioritise the bail plea, clarifying that it would be taken up for consideration on January 16. The court proceeded with the custody application and granted the SIT limited remand to facilitate further investigation. The defence maintained its position that the timing and circumstances of the arrest violated established legal norms.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the MLA’s political background and the allegations involved. The SIT continues its probe into the rape complaint, with the three-day custody period intended to allow detailed questioning and evidence collection. Authorities have maintained strict security measures throughout the proceedings to manage public response and ensure the safe transfer of the accused.

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