Wed Dec 03 10:33:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil’s anticipatory bail plea in a rape and coerced abortion case was heard in camera by the Principal Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram. The court has deferred the decision to the following day to allow the prosecution to provide further evidence. The prosecution argues that granting bail would allow Mamkootathil to obstruct the investigation, citing the severity of the charges, which include rape, obtaining sexual consent through deceitful means, suspected illegal abortion, causing hurt, precipitating life-threatening complications, and his lack of cooperation with the investigation. They claim his custodial interrogation is vital, especially to analyze digital evidence and investigate his associate, Joby Joseph, implicated in the illegal abortion. The defense argues a political conspiracy and claims the relationship was consensual, denying the coerced abortion charges.

News Article:

Palakkad MLA’s Anticipatory Bail Hearing Adjourned in Rape and Abortion Case

Thiruvananthapuram, December 3, 2025 – The Principal Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram adjourned the hearing for the anticipatory bail plea of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a case involving allegations of rape and coerced termination of pregnancy. The hearing, held in camera, lasted nearly two hours.

The prosecution requested additional time to submit further evidence, including medico-legal certificates, statements from doctors who treated the complainant, and preliminary audio forensic analysis reports. They argued that granting bail to Mamkootathil would jeopardize the ongoing investigation, citing his potential to intimidate witnesses, destroy evidence, and influence the alleged victim, given his position and influence. They highlighted the gravity of the charges, which include alleged rape, obtaining sexual consent through deceit, suspected illegal abortion, causing hurt, and administering potent drugs to induce miscarriage without medical supervision. The prosecution also emphasized Mamkootathil’s alleged non-cooperation with the police and the necessity of a custodial interrogation to analyze crucial digital evidence, including voice recordings and text messages, and to further investigate the role of his associate, Joby Joseph, who is accused of supplying the abortion pills.

Mamkootathil’s defense team maintains his innocence, claiming he is the victim of a political conspiracy. They argued that his relationship with the complainant was consensual and denied any coercion or forced abortion. The defense further stated that the complainant was legally married and ingested the abortion pills of her own volition. They requested that the court grant immunity from arrest to their client pending a decision on the bail plea.

The court is expected to issue a decision on the anticipatory bail plea on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the seriousness of the accusations against a prominent political figure.

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