High Court Halts Arrest of Rahul Mankoottil; Accused Still on the Run

Thiruvananthapuram: The High Court has stayed the arrest of Rahul Mamkootathil, the accused in the case involving the brutal assault of a young woman and forcing her into an terminating her pregnancy. Justice K Babu said the court will hear Mamkootathil's anticipatory bail plea on December 15 and till then he should not be arrested.

Advocate S Rajeev, appearing for the expelled Congress MLA confirmed the order.

Earlier, the Sessions Court had rejected his anticipatory bail application and permitted his arrest. Following this, Rahul approached the High Court again, arguing that the evidence submitted against the survivor was not properly considered. The renewed bail plea has strengthened allegations that Congress leadership is helping Rahul, who remains absconding.

Rahul has been on the run for ten days. Information had surfaced that he had been hiding in Hosur on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border and in a luxury villa on the outskirts of Bengaluru. There were also indications that some real estate businessmen, who are Congress leaders, were helping him.

Police have taken into custody and questioned several individuals who allegedly helped him abscond. Cases have been filed against his Palakkad office’s personal staff member Fazal and driver Albin, who reportedly assisted Rahul in escaping to Karnataka. Both were later released on bail after questioning.

Meanwhile, Mamkootathil is accused in a second case of sexual assault.