A Congress sympathiser and digital creator was arrested on Thursday for allegedly sharing the photograph and personal details of the woman who has accused Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of sexual assault. Police confirmed that the accused, Seejo Jose (45) of Mekamthuruthy House, Kunnathur in Vellangallur, published identity-revealing information through his Facebook profile “Seejo Poovathum Kadavil”.

Arrest based on Nemom Police case

Thrissur Rural Police made the arrest following a case registered by Nemom Police, who reported that Seejo had shared the survivor’s photo and personal details without her consent—a criminal offence under laws protecting the anonymity of sexual assault survivors. Police have seized the mobile phone allegedly used to commit the offence.

The investigation is being led by Irinjalakuda Police Inspector Shaji M.K. and Sub-Inspector Soumya E.U.

Another arrest earlier in the case

Earlier, the Cyber Police arrested commentator and right-wing observer Rahul Easwar for a similar offence. His bail application was rejected, and he was remanded to 14 days’ custody by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court.

Police reiterated that revealing the identity of a survivor of sexual assault—directly or indirectly—is a punishable offence, regardless of political affiliation or online status.

Allegations against the MLA

MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been booked under multiple non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. According to the FIR, the survivor has accused him of:

  • Sexual assault (BNS Section 64)
  • Recording a nude video without consent
  • Criminal intimidation (BNS Section 351)
  • Causing bodily harm (BNS Section 115)
  • Forced termination of pregnancy through his aide (BNS Section 89)
  • IT Act violations including impersonation and misuse of digital identity (Section 66C)

The FIR details that the alleged assaults took place between March and May 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad, with his aide Jobi named as the second accused. The case was initially filed as a zero FIR at Valiyamala before being transferred to Nemom.

Rahul’s legal team has reiterated that the allegations are “politically motivated.”

Police urge restraint on social media

Investigators have warned social media users and content creators against circulating any information that could expose the identity of the survivor, noting that such actions obstruct investigations and cause further trauma.