THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: Fresh trouble is brewing for Rahul Mamkootathil with the crime branch registering a case against him for allegedly stalking women on social media and sending messages and making phone calls threatening a woman to terminate pregnancy.
The development came just hours after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed as “serious in nature” the complaints against the Palakkad MLA and said the police will take whatever legal action is possible against him.
The case was registered on Wednesday under BNS sections 78 (2) (stalking a woman), 351 (criminal intimidation) and Kerala Police Act 120 (O) (causing annoyance through any means of communication), on complaints received by the state police chief.
A first-time conviction under BNS section 78 (2) can fetch three years’ imprisonment plus fine, while repeat offenders can get a prison term of up to five years with fine. Conviction under BNS section 351 can attract a two-year sentence or fine, or both. Crime branch DySP C Binu Kumar wil probe the allegations. The state police will register fresh cases if complainants come forward.
Earlier addressing the media, Pinarayi said, “There is already a public opinion that such a person should not continue to hold the post. Still, he (Rahul) clings on. Many allegations have come up, including an audio clip in which a woman is being compelled to undergo abortion with a threat of murder.
This shows how criminal-minded he is.” He said politics and politicians traditionally commanded respect in Kerala, but incidents like these eroded that trust. “There were some cases in the past, but nothing to this extent. When such things happen, stern action is needed. But in this case, no such step was taken (by the Congress) due to vested interests,” he said.
‘Continuation as MLA Rahul’s call’
Lashing out at V D Satheesan for defending Rahul, Pinarayi said that the post of the leader of Opposition carries great responsibility and public trust. “It is unfortunate some leaders are promoting a wrong path by defending him, despite multiple revelations. Such a stand should have never come from the leader of Opposition. He (Satheesan) has spoken in a way unbecoming of his position,” he said.
The CM assured the victims that the government will take all legal measures to protect them. “There is no need to worry about filing complaints. The government will ensure safety for those who come forward,” he said.
Later talking to media in Kochi, Satheesan sought to turn the tables on Pinarayi, alleging that two of his cabinet colleagues are facing sexual misconduct allegations. A senior CPM leader, who was reportedly the prime accused in a complaint, was shielded by the party. Instead of acting against him, the party chose to silence and sideline the leader who dared to raise the issue, he alleged.
Meanwhile, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph said that it was up to Rahul to decide on whether to continue as MLA. “He is suspended, and no more a part of the Congress. Hence the party cannot take a decision on the issue,” he added.
