Youth Targeted With Smear Campaign After Posting Comment on Rape Case Accused Rahul Mamkootathil

Mavelikkara: A man has alleged that a smear campaign is being carried out against him out of resentment over a social media comment he posted against Rahul Mamkootathil, an accused in a rape case. Arun Sivankutty, a resident of Arunoottimangalam in Mavelikkara, said at a press conference that Rahul’s supporters were spreading defamatory content with the help of the police.

Arun alleged that a photograph taken by police at his house during an inquiry into a complaint filed by Rahul was being used for the campaign. He said that despite filing complaints against the smear campaign and the use of the photograph, the police had not registered a case.

Rahul had lodged a complaint against Arun with the Pathanamthitta Cyber Police. Arun said police officers visited his house on the night of June 17 while he was recovering at home from injuries sustained in an accident. He alleged that the officers photographed him wearing only a lungi. His phone was seized, and he was summoned to the Pathanamthitta Cyber Police Station, where he was humiliated, he claimed. After leaving the station, Rahul’s supporters allegedly attempted to attack him in front of the police.

Arun said Rahul’s supporters had threatened on social media two months ago that they had obtained the photograph taken by police and would circulate it. He added that the smear campaign using the photograph began on Tuesday.

Although he submitted a complaint to the Director General of Police (DGP) on Wednesday, no action was taken, Arun said. He also alleged that the Mavelikkara police station refused to accept his complaint.

Arun demanded a comprehensive investigation and strict action against the police officers responsible. He said he had submitted complaints to the Chief Minister and the DGP.

DYFI district president and MLA M S Arunkumar, district secretary James Samuel and state committee member C Shyam Kumar also attended the press conference.