Who is Rahul Mamkootathil, and what led to his arrest?

MLA was taken into custody over a third rape complaint

- BY LEKSHMY PAVITHRAN Assistant Online Editor

Protests broke out across Kerala on Sunday after Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested in connection with a rape case.

Activists from youth organisations staged demonstrations outside the Pathanamthitta district general hospital during his mandatory medical examination, surrounding the police vehicle, raising slogans, and accusing him of enjoying political protection despite facing serious criminal allegations.

The arrest and protests have escalated political tensions, intensifying calls for accountability and an impartial investigation.

Rahul Mamkootathil, 36, represents Palakkad Assembly constituency and won the November 2024 by-election with a record margin of 18,724 votes. A former Youth Congress Kerala state president, he was once regarded as a rising Congress leader.