Thiruvananthapuram: Police on Wednesday took activist Rahul Easwar into custody for evidence collection at his Technopark office in a case related to insulting the survivor who had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Rahul Mankoottil.
Police argued in court that the videos Rahul Easwar made in support of Mankoottil involved a larger conspiracy, requiring further investigation. Based on this, police sought permission to take him to his office for verification.
He was questioned for nearly three hours before evidence was collected. According to police, the controversial videos were filmed inside his Technopark office. They suspect organised involvement and say further technical inspection is required.
Rahul Easwar alleged that he is being framed and announced that he would continue his hunger strike in jail. He has been shifted to a hospital due to fatigue after continuing his fast in Poojappura Jail.
The survivor had lodged a complaint with the Cyber Police, following which Rahul was initially booked under bailable sections. After detailed investigation, non-bailable charges, including insulting womanhood, intimidation and misuse of electronic systems, were added. These offences carry imprisonment of up to two years.
A magistrate court in Vanchiyoor had earlier denied him bail, agreeing with the prosecution’s argument that Rahul is a repeat offender and granting bail would adversely affect the case. His fresh bail plea will be considered on Saturday.
