Case against Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil for stalking, criminal intimidation

The Kerala Crime Branch has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on charges of stalking and criminal intimidation. The case has also been submitted before the court.

The FIR records that the victims are aged between 18 and 60. It further alleges that the accused used social media platforms to stalk them, send messages and chats, and issue threats including references to forced abortions.

According to officials, the FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including section 78(2) which deals with stalking, and section 352 which pertains to criminal intimidation. In addition, a case has been registered under section 120(o) of the Kerala Police (KP) Act.

The FIR was filed following a notice issued by the Child Rights Commission, along with nine other complaints lodged by politicians and social activists. Police clarified that none of the victims themselves have filed a complaint so far.

The controversy began when Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George alleged that a “youth leader” from a major political party had repeatedly sent her offensive messages and even invited her to a hotel. Though she did not name anyone, the BJP staged a protest outside Mamkootathil’s office in Palakkad, accusing him of being the leader in question. The CPI(M)’s youth wing DYFI too marched to his office demanding his resignation.

Soon after, writer Honey Bhaskaran publicly named Mamkootathil and accused him of persistently messaging her and later misrepresenting their conversations. She claimed several complaints had been raised against him within the Youth Congress earlier but no action was taken.

Later, a trans woman named Avanthika also alleged that Mamkootathil sent her messages expressing a desire to rape her. “I think he is sexually frustrated because he said he wants to rape me. He said we can go to Bengaluru or Hyderabad and do it,” she said.

Avanthika added that they first met during an election debate, and what began as a normal friendship turned into a “disgusting experience” through his messages on social media. Following the storm, Mamkootathil announced his resignation as Youth Congress president, insisting it was his personal decision and not because of wrongdoing.

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