Thiruvananthapuram: After actor-model Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran accused Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of sexual harassment earlier this week, a prominent transgender activist from Kerala has now levelled fresh allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

The activist, who is a former member of the Kerala Transgender Justice Board, claimed that the legislator made lewd advances and attempted to lure her to hotels in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, stating that “he wanted to rape her.”

Activist details alleged harassment

Addressing the media on Thursday, the activist said she first met Rahul Mamkootathil during an election debate held as part of the Thrikkakara assembly by-election. Following the event, the MLA allegedly began contacting her.

“Initially, our conversations were friendly. But soon, his messages turned sexual in nature. When I started ignoring him, he continued sending messages via Telegram, many of which could be viewed only once. In one such conversation, he explicitly said he wanted to rape me,” she alleged.

The activist further claimed that despite ignoring his messages, Mamkootathil persisted in contacting her, even after a Malayalam actress publicly accused him of harassment earlier this week. She alleged that she had previously complained to senior Congress leaders about his behaviour but no action was taken.

Calls for resignation

Describing the allegations as “serious and unacceptable,” the activist, who identifies herself as a BJP supporter, demanded that the MLA step down immediately.

“Rahul has no moral right to continue as an MLA. If he is innocent, he should prove it. Until then, he should resign from his post,” she asserted.

Growing controversy

These fresh allegations come a day after Malayalam actor-model Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran accused Rahul Mamkootathil of harassment, sparking outrage on social media and within political circles. The controversy has triggered demands for the Congress party to take disciplinary action against the legislator.

Political ramifications

The issue is expected to create ripples in Kerala’s political landscape, with the opposition likely to intensify its attack on the Congress party over the handling of the allegations. Women’s groups and activists have also demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

As of now, Congress leaders have not issued an official statement regarding the fresh claims. Rahul Mamkootathil has also not responded publicly to the allegations.