Wed Dec 03 07:43:10 UTC 2025: Summary:

YouTuber Rahul Easwar has been remanded to police custody in Thiruvananthapuram, India, on charges of defaming and revealing the identity of a woman accusing Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of rape and forced abortion. Easwar, a right-wing activist and television commentator, was arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police. He has begun a hunger strike in prison, declared his continuing support for Mamkootathil, and has been moved to a hospital for medical attention. Sandeep Varier, a KPCC general secretary, is seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the case. The prosecution argues that releasing Easwar on bail would hinder the investigation and allow for further intimidation of the survivor. The police plan to search Easwar’s office and residence for electronic devices.

News Article:

YouTuber Rahul Easwar Remanded to Police Custody in Defamation Case

Thiruvananthapuram, India – December 3, 2025 – Right-wing activist and YouTuber Rahul Easwar has been remanded to police custody until Thursday, December 4th, following his arrest on charges of defaming and revealing the identity of a woman accusing Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of serious crimes. The Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police apprehended Easwar after he allegedly published information about the survivor on social media platforms, including sexually colored remarks and slurs.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Elsa Catherine George initially ordered Easwar into judicial custody. In response, Easwar began a hunger strike to protest the charges and reaffirm his support for MLA Mamkootathil. Citing health concerns, the court ordered prison officials to provide medical attention to Easwar, resulting in his transfer to Government Fort Hospital. His bail plea is scheduled for a hearing on Saturday.

The prosecution argues that Easwar’s actions aimed to intimidate the survivor from pursuing charges against Mamkootathil. They presented YouTube videos allegedly containing the defamatory remarks to the court. The prosecution also fears that Easwar’s release would jeopardize the ongoing investigation, allowing for evidence tampering and further intimidation of the survivor.

Sandeep Varier, a KPCC general secretary, is also seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the case. The FIR names two Mahila Congress leaders, along with 20 others, including social media supporters of MLA Mamkootathil.

Authorities plan to search Easwar’s office and residence for additional electronic devices potentially linked to the alleged offenses. The case continues to develop as the investigation unfolds.

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