Absconding Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil’s Hideout Discovered Near Karnataka Border

The hideout of absconding Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been located by the police in Bagalur, situated on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. However, the MLA managed to evade capture, crossing into Karnataka just moments before the Kerala Police contingent arrived at the location.

Police officials, who had traveled from Coimbatore, reached the vicinity of Bagalur around noon yesterday. Investigations revealed that Mamkootathil had been residing in Bagalur until the morning of the police operation. The location, Bagalur, is strategically positioned only about a ten-minute distance from the Karnataka state border, facilitating his swift escape.

Authorities have since recovered the vehicle in which Mamkootathil arrived at the hideout. The individual accompanying him in the car reportedly fled on foot and is currently the subject of an intensive police search. Further intelligence suggests that the MLA continued his flight into Karnataka using a different vehicle.

Rahul Mamkootathil went into hiding following a serious complaint lodged directly by a woman with the Chief Minister. Given the gravity of the allegations and concerns that he might attempt to leave the state or even the country, a lookout circular has been issued against him.

Adding to the complexities of the case, Joby Joseph, a businessman from Adoor and a friend of Mamkootathil, has also been named as a co-accused. This development stems from the complainant’s statement, which identifies Joseph as an intermediary involved in obtaining abortion pills.

Mamkootathil faces severe non-bailable charges, including rape, grievous hurt, and the unauthorized capture of private images. Crucially, charges under Section 89 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have also been invoked, pertaining to causing a miscarriage without the woman’s consent. The First Information Report (FIR) details that the woman was allegedly subjected to sexual assault on multiple occasions since March 2025. It further states that the MLA reportedly took nude photographs of her following these assaults.

The complainant also alleges that after she became pregnant, Rahul Mamkootathil subjected her to threats at a flat in Palakkad. Subsequently, his friend allegedly drove her in a car, provided her with abortion pills, and compelled her to consume them under duress. She was reportedly warned of severe repercussions if she disclosed these incidents.