Rahul Mankootathil Gets Anticipatory Bail in Assault Case

Kochi, Kerala – The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in a case alleging rape and forced abortion. Justice Kausar Edappagath’s bench approved the bail with conditions, including a requirement that Mamkootathil appear before the investigating officer on February 16th and submit his mobile phone.

The court’s decision comes after the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court rejected his initial plea for pre-arrest bail in December 2025, prompting an appeal to the High Court. The court had previously stayed his arrest pending a decision on the matter.

According to court documents, Mamkootathil is required to report to the investigating officer between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on February 16th. He has also been instructed not to leave Kerala and to surrender his passport. The court further stipulated that a sexual capacity test, including any necessary examinations although considered in custody, may be conducted during questioning. A bail bond of 100,000 rupees (approximately $1,200 USD) was set in the event of arrest.

The court order also prohibits Mamkootathil from contacting the alleged victim or any witnesses in the case. He must also appear before the investigating officer every second Saturday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

This ruling marks the third instance of Mamkootathil securing bail in connection with allegations of sexual assault. He previously obtained anticipatory bail in a second rape case and regular bail in a third. Police registered cases based on allegations that Mamkootathil engaged in sexual assault and subsequently compelled a woman to undergo an abortion.

Mamkootathil has maintained that any relationship with the complainant was consensual and that the allegations were made after a disagreement. He argued that the accusations do not meet the legal definition of rape and that claims regarding forced abortion are misleading, asserting he possesses evidence to support his claims. He also alleged political influence in the investigation and that the complaint was filed with the Chief Minister after a delay.

The Kerala High Court will continue to hear arguments in the case, with further proceedings scheduled to determine the next steps in the investigation.