The Congress party in Kerala expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from Palakkad on Thursday after serious criminal allegations emerged against him. Kerala Police last week filed a case accusing the MLA of raping a woman, secretly recording objectionable videos without consent, and pressuring her to terminate her pregnancy. The charges fall under non-bailable sections.

Rahul has been absconding since the case was registered, prompting intensified police efforts to trace him. His disappearance and the gravity of the allegations have put the Congress party in a difficult position, especially because Rahul was seen as one of its promising young faces.

Who is Rahul Mamkootathil?

Rahul Mamkootathil is a young politician and businessman from Palakkad, Kerala. He represents the Palakkad Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA. He rose within the party through leadership roles in the Youth Congress, gaining visibility and influence in state politics.

His career took a sharp downfall in August 2025, when allegations of sexual assault and misconduct surfaced. The timing has been particularly damaging for Congress, coming just before the local body elections on 9 and 11 December. Following the complaints, the party swiftly suspended him from primary membership to limit political fallout.

Legal trouble intensifies

Rahul faced another setback when the court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Police have been directed to locate him at the earliest. Investigators have already detained his driver, who allegedly helped him escape from Kerala.

The court, after a detailed hearing on Wednesday, sought more documents from the prosecution. On Thursday, after reviewing the newly submitted evidence, the court completed the arguments.

A setback for Congress

Rahul, once regarded as a strong youth leader in the party, now poses reputational damage for Congress in Kerala. With his suspension and the ongoing criminal investigation, the party has distanced itself, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.