MLA involved in sex scam puts Kerala Congress in dilemma

Kerala'sopposition Congress is in dire straits, even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual misconduct allegations against party MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil recorded the statement of Shinto Sebastian, the lawyer who initially brought the matter to public attention, on Monday.

- AM Abdussalam

Sebastian, a Kochi-based advocate, had earlier filed a complaint with Ernakulam Central Police citing multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Rahul, including one from a transgender individual.

The complaint was later handed over to the SIT following the registration of a Zero-FIR. The SIT officials confirmed that the lawyer was not a direct witness or party to any of the alleged incidents.

After giving his statement, Sebastian told media persons that he submitted six video links as evidence and a phone recording in which the MLA purportedly pressured a woman into terminating her pregnancy.