In a significant blow to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, a Kerala court has rejected his bail application amid ongoing legal battles. The decision comes as the political firestorm surrounding the Wayanad leader intensifies, with authorities pursuing charges related to violent protests against the state’s liquor policy.
Mamkootathil, once a rising star in the Congress party, was expelled last month following clashes that saw him lead a mob in destroying liquor outlets. The protests, which turned ugly, resulted in multiple FIRs against him, including serious allegations of rioting and property damage. Supporters claim it’s a politically motivated witch hunt, but prosecutors argue the evidence is overwhelming.
The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, cited the gravity of the offenses and the need to prevent further unrest as key reasons for denial. Eyewitness accounts and video footage presented showed Mamkootathil at the forefront of the destruction, fueling the case against him. This ruling leaves him in custody, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the former youth wing leader.
Political reactions poured in swiftly. Congress leaders decried the verdict as judicial overreach, while the ruling LDF government hailed it as justice served. Opposition circles buzz with speculation on whether this could fracture alliances ahead of local elections. As Mamkootathil’s legal team plans an appeal, the incident underscores deepening rifts over Kerala’s contentious liquor regulations.
Beyond the courtroom drama, this case highlights broader tensions in the state. Protests against liquor sales have long been a flashpoint, blending moral crusades with political maneuvering. Mamkootathil’s expulsion has left a vacuum in Wayanad’s Congress unit, prompting questions about leadership succession and party loyalty. For now, the MLA remains behind bars, his political future hanging in the balance.