In a major legal development, a Kerala court has rejected the bail plea of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with the third rape case registered against him, keeping him in judicial custody amid serious allegations. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvalla on January 17, 2026, dismissed the bail application after a closed-door hearing, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk of interference in the investigation if the MLA were released.
Mamkootathil, who had earlier faced two separate sexual assault cases, was recently arrested in Palakkad on January 11 based on a complaint filed on January 8 by a woman originally from Kottayam district, now settled abroad. The FIR alleges that he sexually assaulted her after luring her to a hotel on the promise of marriage — claims he denies, maintaining the relationship was consensual.
During the bail proceedings, the court noted the “serious and grave” nature of the allegations and highlighted the existence of prior complaints against him. Judge Arundhathi Dileep observed there was a significant risk of witnesses being influenced, evidence tampered with, and the investigation hampered if bail were granted. The judge also pointed to contradictions in the defence’s claim of consent, finding prima facie grounds to proceed with the charges.
The prosecution opposed bail vehemently, stressing that Mamkootathil’s position and public profile could jeopardise the probe, while the defence argued his status as an elected representative showed he was not a flight risk and had cooperated with police.
With bail denied, Mamkootathil remains in judicial custody and his legal team is expected to file a fresh plea in the District Sessions Court. The unfolding legal process continues to attract significant public attention and debate over accountability of public figures in serious criminal matters.
News as reported
