Two staff members from the Palakkad MLA office of Rahul Mankootathil — personal staffer Alvin and driver Fazal — have been taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The duo has reportedly been transported to Thiruvananthapuram.
The SIT acted based on information that both individuals allegedly helped Rahul evade arrest after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the court. Earlier, the staff had claimed they were not in contact with the MLA and were unaware of his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court has dismissed Rahul’s anticipatory bail plea after detailed hearings on two consecutive days. The court observed that a prima facie case exists. Charges against the MLA include rape, forced and unlawful abortion. The prosecution argued that Rahul’s release could lead to destruction of evidence.
