Thu Feb 12 06:31:04 UTC 2026: ### Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Granted Anticipatory Bail in Rape Case
The Story:
The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to expelled Congress leader and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in a case registered against him by the Nemom police in Thiruvananthapuram. The case involves allegations of rape and forced abortion made by a woman. Justice Kauser Edappagath imposed conditions on the bail, including mandatory appearance before the investigating officer, surrender of his mobile phone, and restrictions on contacting the respondent or leaving Kerala.
The court had previously extended interim protection from arrest to the MLA in early January and allowed the woman who made the allegations to be impleaded in the case. The court reserved its verdict on the matter after hearing arguments.
Key Points:
- Rahul Mamkootathil, Palakkad MLA and expelled Congress leader, granted anticipatory bail.
- The case involves allegations of rape and forced abortion.
- The Kerala High Court imposed conditions, including appearing for interrogation on February 16, 2026.
- He must surrender his mobile phone and passport.
- He is prohibited from contacting the respondent or prosecution witnesses and leaving Kerala.
- Interim protection from arrest was previously extended in early January.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kerala High Court is taking the allegations seriously, as evidenced by the strict conditions attached to the anticipatory bail.
- The political career of Rahul Mamkootathil is significantly jeopardized by these allegations, regardless of the final outcome.
- Public scrutiny surrounding this case will likely be intense, given the involvement of a prominent political figure and the sensitive nature of the accusations.
First Piper 