Similar allegations were earlier made by Rini Ann George and Honey Bhaskaran, after which Mamkootathil resigned as the state Youth Congress chief.
Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, already facing sexual harassment allegations, is now in deeper trouble after a trans woman activist accused him of sending her inappropriate and “sexually regressive messages.” Activist Avanthika claimed that Mamkootathil not only shared his sexual desires with her but also spoke about his “rape fantasies.” She said she had informed Congress leaders about his behavior, but no action was taken.
The controversy grew on Thursday when Mamkootathil resigned as Kerala Youth Congress President after Malayalam actor Rini George accused a youth leader from a major political party of misconduct. Although she did not name anyone, the BJP alleged that the remarks pointed to Mamkootathil. The MLA has denied all allegations.
Speaking to Malayalam media, Avanthika said she first met Rahul during a TV debate held as part of the Thrikkakara by-election campaign. “After that, I sent him a friend request on social media, and we became good friends. At first, he would call me after 11 pm. Later, he began calling non-stop, but he rarely talked about politics,” she said.
She added, “He often sent me disturbing, sexually loaded messages. Once, he even spoke about wanting sex with me in a way that resembled rape. I reported this to senior Congress leaders, but nothing was done. How can someone with such thoughts be a role model in society, let alone an MLA?”
Mamkootathil response on allegations made by Avanthika
There has been no immediate response from Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil on the latest allegations by the trans woman activist. On Thursday, however, he denied the claims made by Malayalam actor Rini George, who had spoken about harassment by a youth leader without naming him.
“I challenge anyone who has accused me to prove it in a court of law. There has been no formal or concrete complaint filed against me by anyone,” Mamkootathil told reporters.
He also said that no one in the party had asked him to step down. “The actress is my friend. I don’t believe the person she mentioned is me. She will always remain a good friend. I believe I haven’t done anything against the law or the Constitution so far,” he added.
When asked about an audio clip aired by a Malayalam news channel that allegedly suggested he forced a woman to terminate a pregnancy, Mamkootathil dismissed it, saying that “in today’s world, creating such clips is not difficult.”
He further stated, “If I have made any mistake, I am ready to face it legally. In my conscience, I have not done anything illegal. If someone believes otherwise, they can challenge me through legal means.”
HIGHLIGHTS
- A trans woman has accused Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of sexual harassment.
- She claims Mamkootathil sent her disturbing messages expressing rape fantasies.
- She says she alerted Congress leaders, but no action was taken against him.
- Earlier, Rini Ann George and Honey Bhaskaran had made similar allegations, leading to his resignation as Kerala Youth Congress President.
