Rahul’s Arrest Delayed by Karnataka Influence; Bail Plea in High Court Today in Rape Case
Thiruvananthapuram: MLA Rahul Mankootathil, an accused in a rape case, has entered his tenth day in hiding, yet the police are struggling to apprehend him, remaining in the dark regarding his whereabouts. The investigating team continues to operate in Bengaluru, assuming he might still be there. With the High Court scheduled to consider his anticipatory bail plea today, the likelihood of Rahul surrendering has diminished.
The police state that Rahul’s significant influence in Karnataka is hindering his arrest. Furthermore, the investigation team claims that he is receiving political assistance. The fact that Rahul manages to evade capture by anticipating police movements has amplified suspicions. Meanwhile, the Congress alleges that he is not being deliberately apprehended to prolong the issue until the local elections. Accusations are also growing stronger that the investigating team has received instructions not to arrest Rahul.
Rahul Mankootathil’s anticipatory bail application will be heard today by the bench of Justice K. Babu in the High Court. The primary arguments in the petition are that he is innocent and that the rape charge will not stand. He claims the relationship with the complainant was consensual and that the complainant underwent an abortion by her own decision. Rahul’s petition to the High Court also states that the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court’s order rejecting his anticipatory bail was flawed and did not consider evidence against the complainant.
He further argues that the woman did not file the complaint in accordance with proper procedures. Rahul states that he is prepared to provide explanations to the investigation team on all matters and that his custody is not necessary for the investigation. He also alleges a political conspiracy behind the complaint. Rahul’s anticipatory bail application also requests that he be provided with the case documents and given time to submit evidence. If he is unable to substantiate his arguments, he is prepared to surrender.