Photo of First Complainant in Mamkootathil Case Circulates Again on Social Media Amid Police Action
The photograph of the woman who filed the initial rape complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil has re-emerged on social media, accompanied by derogatory remarks. This resurgence comes despite recent police actions taken to prevent such circulation.
The abusive content targeting the complainant is being disseminated primarily through a Facebook page identified as ‘Arishto Shaji’. In response, the Cyber Crime Police has issued a stern warning, indicating that strict measures will be implemented against those responsible.
Just three days prior, the Ernakulam Rural Cyber Crime Police had registered cases against two individuals for disclosing the woman’s identity online. These individuals, identified as Razak P.A. and Raju Vidyakumar, faced legal action for posting the woman’s photo on social media. Cases were filed against Razak for circulating the image since November 29 and against Vidyakumar for his involvement in its spread from November 30. The initial complaint against Mamkootathil was lodged by the Valiyammala Police on November 28.
The charges against Razak and Vidyakumar fall under Section 72(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which prohibits the printing or publishing of the identity of victims of sexual offenses. Conviction for this offense carries a potential penalty of up to two years imprisonment and a fine.
In a broader effort to combat online defamation and harassment related to the Rahul Mamkootathil sexual assault case, the Kerala Police have launched extensive operations, resulting in the registration of at least 32 cases. The Police Cyber Operations Unit is actively monitoring various online platforms. They are systematically registering cases against individuals or entities found to be violating privacy laws by revealing the woman’s identity or publishing defamatory material. These decisive actions stem from the woman’s official complaint, detailing the widespread online harassment she endured after coming forward with her allegations against Rahul Mamkootathil.