Abortion Pill Delivered by Mamkoottathil’s Ally; Both Accused Now Missing

Thiruvananthapuram: The investigation into MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil continues to widen, as a close associate of the Congress leader has now been named as the second accused in the survivor’s complaint regarding a forced and unsafe abortion. Youth Congress leader Joby Joseph, a resident of Pathanamthitta, has been charged for his direct involvement and is currently absconding, similar to Rahul Mamkoottathil.

According to the survivor’s recorded statement, the abortion pill was procured and delivered to her by Joby Joseph on Rahul’s instruction. Reports indicate that the pill was sourced from Bengaluru without any medical prescription or clinical guidance. The drug was allegedly handed over during the Nilambur by-election period.

Statements also reveal that Mamkoottathil told the survivor that having a child would jeopardize his political prospects. However, previously surfaced WhatsApp messages contradict this stance—showing the MLA encouraging her to conceive. In one such message, he reportedly told her: “Prepare to become pregnant, I want our baby.” After she became pregnant, he allegedly insisted on an unsafe abortion. When she expressed hesitation or refusal, he allegedly issued threats and verbally abused her.

Additionally, an audio recording has surfaced in which the survivor asks Mamkoottathil whose wish it originally was to have a child, and why he later pressured her into a termination. According to her testimony, she never desired an abortion but ultimately submitted due to continued intimidation. She later suffered severe health complications after consuming the pill.

The survivor has submitted a detailed 20-page statement to the Rural SP, with the examination process extending for over five-and-a-half hours. Based on her complaint, the Valiyamala Police registered a case against Rahul Mamkoottathil under non-bailable sections, after which the investigation was transferred to Nemom Police. The charges invoked carry potential penalties ranging from a minimum of 10 years in prison to life imprisonment.