Kerala Congress Leader Faces Suspension Amidst Allegations of Threats and Coercion

Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been suspended from the Congress party in Kerala following accusations of serious misconduct. Several women, including actor-model-turned-journalist Rini Ann George and transgender woman Avantika, have come forward with allegations that he sent offensive and sexually suggestive messages since 2023. A leaked audio clip has emerged, purportedly featuring him threatening a pregnant woman and pressuring her to have an abortion. Reports also indicate that he was in contact with the woman’s friend, a media professional, with whom he is alleged to have had an affair. Rini Ann George and Avantika have also alleged that Rahul invited them to 5-star hotels for overnight stays and harassed them through messages. Rini Ann George stated that she reported the harassment to the Congress leadership. She also claimed that Rahul has repeatedly misbehaved with the wives and daughters of several leaders. As a result of the suspension, Rahul Mamkootathil will be required to sit in a separate block during the assembly session commencing on September 15. It is anticipated that he might take leave and avoid attending the session. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is set to seek a written explanation from him regarding the allegations, and if his response is deemed unsatisfactory, the party is likely to proceed with his expulsion. The audio clip allegedly reveals a conversation between the MLA and the woman, where he expresses concern that the pregnancy would “destroy” his life and issues warnings about potential consequences if he were to become angry. The authenticity of the audio clip, which has a duration of four minutes and nine seconds, could not be independently verified. The controversy began following allegations of misconduct against a youth leader from a major political party. The BJP has demanded that Mamkootathil resign from the state assembly. The clip features the woman questioning Mamkootathil’s intentions to terminate the pregnancy without her consent. Rahul responds, stating that it is not about her permission and she is not considering the implications. He also threatens the woman by saying, “I know that you can’t face the consequences. I know you well, and If I get angry, I don’t know what I will do.” Furthermore, he allegedly threatened to harm her and stated that the woman’s life and his career could be destroyed. The woman asserted her capability to raise the child independently.