Rahul Eeswar Remanded Again; Bail Plea to be Heard on Monday

Kochi: Activist Rahul Eeswar has been remanded again in connection with a case involving the alleged defamation of the complainant in the sexual assault case against MLA Rahul Mankootathil through social media. He was taken to jail after being produced in court following the expiry of his custody period.

Rahul Eeswar has been on remand for the past 12 days, as his bail application has been rejected twice. His latest bail application is scheduled to be heard by the Principal Sessions Court on Monday. The police have informed the court that Rahul Eeswar is not cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Earlier, while in remand, Rahul Eeswar had commenced a hunger strike in jail, which he subsequently withdrew.

Cyber police arrested Rahul Eeswar based on a complaint alleging that he insulted a woman via social media. The action was taken following accusations that he shared information capable of identifying the individual. In this case, charges have been filed against six individuals, including Rahul Eeswar and Congress leader Sandeep Warrier. Ranjitha Pulickan, District Secretary of Mahila Congress Pathanamthitta, is identified as the first accused. Advocate Deepa Joseph and another account holder also named Deepa Joseph are listed as the second and third accused, respectively. The accused face charges under sections carrying a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment, which include revealing the woman’s identity, insulting womanhood, intimidation, and the misuse of electronic devices.