Mon Sep 01 15:43:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Crime Branch investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil is intensifying. A third-party complainant has provided evidence, while police are investigating cyberattacks and vilification campaigns against those seeking Mamkootathil’s resignation. These online attacks are suspected to be orchestrated by troll farms using AI to intimidate alleged victims and manipulate public opinion. The Crime Branch is also preparing to interview journalists who reported on the alleged victim’s condition and is set to brief the Speaker’s office on the legal challenges Mamkootathil faces, including a separate investigation into alleged voter ID fraud.
**News Article:**
**Sexual Misconduct Investigation Against Congress Leader Intensifies Amid Cyber Attack Probe**
**Thiruvananthapuram, September 1, 2025** – The Crime Branch investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Congress leader and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has entered a critical phase, with investigators receiving evidence from a third-party complainant. Lawyer Shinto Sebastian, who previously approached the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, submitted evidence related to his claim that Mamkootathil coerced a victim to terminate a pregnancy. Mamkootathil has denied the allegations and refuted claims that an anonymous voice clip used as evidence is his.
Simultaneously, state police are investigating a surge in cyberattacks targeting individuals who have called for Mamkootathil’s resignation, including alleged victims, activists, and high-profile female Congress leaders. Authorities suspect “dedicated troll farms” are using software and AI to disseminate offensive and defamatory content on social media, with the intent of manipulating public opinion and intimidating potential victims from coming forward.
“The unprecedented targeted online shaming could be a ploy to intimidate alleged victims from approaching law enforcement,” said a source within the police investigation. “Bringing these online malefactors to book is crucial to mitigating the hostile social environment that may be preventing victims from speaking out.”
The Crime Branch is also reportedly planning to record statements from several women journalists who reported on the alleged victim’s condition, focusing on claims of inducement and threats used to silence her.
Further complicating matters, the Crime Branch is preparing to brief Speaker A.N. Shamsheer’s office on the legal challenges facing Mamkootathil. This includes the ongoing sexual misconduct investigation and a separate probe into allegations of using fake Election Commission voter ID cards to rig the 2023 State Youth Congress’s online election, charges that Mamkootathil also denies. The investigations are placing increasing pressure on the Congress leader and could potentially lead to further action by the state assembly.
First Piper 