Pathanamthitta ,13 Jan (H.S.): The Kerala Police on Tuesday sought the custody of MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who was arrested in connection with a rape case, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) moved the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvalla seeking permission for custodial interrogation.

According to prosecution sources, the SIT has requested seven days of custody to carry out a detailed and effective investigation. Rahul Mankootathil is currently lodged at the Mavelikkara Special Sub Jail. The magistrate had earlier directed that the accused be produced before the court on Tuesday after completing mandatory medical examination procedures at the sub jail.

The investigating team informed the court that custodial interrogation is necessary to take the accused to the hotel where the alleged sexual assault occurred and to collect material evidence from the scene. In her complaint, the survivor has alleged that visuals were recorded during the assault. Based on this statement, the SIT intends to recover the mobile phone allegedly used to capture the footage, which investigators say is a crucial piece of evidence.

Police have also indicated that financial transactions connected to the case require verification. The SIT plans to examine possible monetary dealings linked to the incident as part of the investigation and place these details before the court while pressing for custody.

Meanwhile, the court is expected to hear arguments on the bail plea only after a final decision is taken on the custody application. Rahul Mankootathil’s lawyers had filed a bail petition soon after his arrest.

Denying the allegations, the MLA has maintained that the complaint is false and motivated. He has claimed that the case was fabricated with malicious intent to defame him and have him jailed. The defence is expected to argue that custodial interrogation is unnecessary and that the accused is willing to cooperate with the investigation without being placed in police custody.

The magistrate court’s decision on the police custody request is expected later today.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman