THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has reportedly reached a dead end. The development comes after two women, who were central to the case, informed investigators that they are unwilling to record statements or pursue legal proceedings.
The women told the crime branch team that they had no interest in moving forward with the case, sources close to the development said. Crime branch had expanded its probe beyond Kerala to gather evidence, including medical proof of abortion, but reportedly found nothing substantial.
Investigators earlier recorded depositions from complainants and others who interacted with the women. Digital evidence, including voice clips and chat messages purportedly of Mamkootathil pressuring the women to undergo an abortion, was also collected.
However, with the victims now refusing to depose, officers said that the inquiry had reached a stalemate. "The next steps will be decided only after consultations with senior police officers," sources said.
The probe was launched after chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly called the allegations against Palakkad MLA "grave" and urged the women to come forward and file formal complaints. Following his remarks, state police chief directed crime branch to register a case. Mamkootathil was booked under Section 78 (stalking) and Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 120(O) of Kerala Police Act, which deals with harassment through repeated or unwanted communication.
Section 78 provides for up to three years' imprisonment for stalking on first conviction and up to five years for repeat offences. Section 351 covers criminal intimidation, punishable with imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both. The Kerala Police Act section deals with nuisance caused through calls, texts or electronic communication.
The allegations attracted wide attention after leaked audio conversations surfaced in which Mamkootathil was allegedly heard issuing threats, including death threats. Chief minister had said a person facing such charges should not remain an MLA.
With the complainants now retracting cooperation, crime branch is left to reassess whether it can sustain the case solely based on recorded statements, circumstantial evidence and digital material.
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