Rahul Mamkootathil’s Friend Seeks Anticipatory Bail, Claims Woman Requested Pills, Unaware of Medicine’s Nature

Thiruvananthapuram: Joby Joseph, the second accused and friend of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the first sexual assault case against the MLA, has filed an anticipatory bail plea. The petition was submitted to the Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court. According to the statement given by the complainant, a young woman, it was Joby who handed over abortion pills on Rahul’s instructions.

Joby Joseph, who is currently absconding, claims that he delivered the pills at the woman’s request and was unaware of the nature or purpose of the medicine. The court has adjourned the hearing of his anticipatory bail application to December 17.

Meanwhile, MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was granted anticipatory bail by the court yesterday in a second case of alleged sexual assault that occurred at a homestay. The court stipulated that Rahul must appear before the investigation team on alternate Mondays for three months. Additionally, he is required to present himself whenever requested and is prohibited from influencing witnesses. Principal District Sessions Judge S. Naseera issued the order, which also states that if Rahul is arrested, he should be released on bail. The prosecution is expected to appeal this decision in the High Court today.