Daijiworld Media Network- Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 22: Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is already facing allegations of sexual harassment, finds himself in deeper controversy after a trans woman activist came forward accusing him of sending “sexually regressive messages” and even sharing “rape fantasies.”
Activist Avanthika, speaking to Malayalam media, claimed she first met the legislator during the Thrikkakara by-election campaign and later connected with him on social media. “Initially, he would call me after 11 pm and barely spoke about politics. Soon, he began bombarding me with calls and messages. He often sent sexually inappropriate texts, and once confessed to his desire to engage in sex in a way resembling rape,” she alleged.
She further stated that she had alerted Congress leadership regarding his behaviour, but no action was taken. “How can a person who fantasises about rape be seen as a role model in society, let alone as an MLA?” Avanthika questioned.
The fresh charges emerged just a day after Rahul Mamkootathil stepped down as Kerala Youth Congress President following a separate allegation by Malayalam actor Rini George, who, in an online interview that went viral, accused a young leader of misconduct. While she did not explicitly name him, the BJP linked the charges to Mamkootathil, demanding his resignation.
In her interview, Rini George alleged that the MLA sent objectionable messages over the past three years, offered to book a five-star hotel room, and ignored her warnings when she threatened to escalate the matter to senior party leaders. “The image I had of him is shattered. Despite my complaints, he was given prominent positions within the party. His response was dismissive — ‘You can go and tell anyone… who cares?’” she said.
Meanwhile, Mamkootathil has denied all allegations. Addressing media persons, he said, “I challenge anyone to prove these charges in a court of law. No concrete complaint has been filed against me. I have not done anything illegal to the best of my conscience. If there are any charges, let them be tested legally.”
When questioned about an alleged audio clip aired by a Malayalam channel claiming he forced a woman to terminate a pregnancy, he dismissed it, stating that “in today’s era, such clips can easily be fabricated.”
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan confirmed that the party is looking into the matter and will take appropriate action.
As the controversy snowballs, BJP activists staged a protest outside Mamkootathil’s office in Palakkad on Thursday. The agitation turned tense after protesters clashed with police deployed at the site.