MLA Mamkoottathil Sexual Assault Case: Former DGP R Sreelekha Insults Survivor

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Women DGP and BJP candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, R Sreelekha, has drawn strong criticism for her comments about the survivor in the sexual assault case against MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil. In a Facebook post, Sreelekha questioned why the survivor had not filed a complaint earlier and why she approached the Chief Minister directly. She also wrote, “Was this done to allow the accused enough time to switch off his phone, go into hiding, and secure anticipatory bail?”

Sreelekha further attempted to connect the complaint to the Sabarimala gold theft case, implying that the intention might be to shield those with greater involvement in the theft. Her remarks have been widely viewed as dismissive of the survivor’s experience. Sreelekha has previously taken similar stances, including publicly supporting actor Dileep in the Kerala actress assault case, stating at the time that she did not believe he was guilty.

Her statements have placed the BJP in an uncomfortable position in the midst of the election climate, especially given her status as a party candidate. Following widespread public and media backlash, Sreelekha modified her stance and edited her Facebook post. She later claimed that she stands with the survivor and clarified that her objection was only regarding the timing of the complaint.