Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 28 (ANI): The Kerala Crime Branch has registered a case against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil for allegedly stalking and harassing women through social media, causing them mental agony, officials said on Wednesday.

According to police, the case has been filed under sections 78(2) and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 120(0) of the Kerala Police Act. The Crime Branch acted on instructions from the State Police Chief after examining multiple complaints received against the legislator, which were found to be cognizable offences. Deputy Superintendent of Police C Binukumar of the Thiruvananthapuram Range has been assigned to lead the investigation.

The controversy surrounding the MLA intensified earlier this week when Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said that the Congress had set a “shining example” in political accountability by suspending Mamkootathil. Speaking in Kozhikode on August 26, Satheesan accused the ruling CPI(M) of shielding individuals with a history of misconduct and challenged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to act against “sex offenders” allegedly operating from his office.

“Congress has shown moral courage. Now it is time for Vijayan to follow that example,” Satheesan said. He also warned that if more details of misconduct within the CPI(M) came to light, it could shock the state before the next elections.

The Palakkad MLA, who has been accused of obscene behaviour by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George, has stepped down as the State President of the Youth Congress. While the party has suspended him from its primary membership, he continues to serve as a legislator.

Satheesan further targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party, remarking on its recent protests in Kerala. “BJP workers demonstrated with a bull at the Cantonment House. Don’t let that bull go. The very next day, you will have to demonstrate with that bull at Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s house. Just wait,” he said.

(ANI)