Rahul Mamkootathil, the Congress MLA recently booted from the party, suffered a crushing defeat in court today when his bail plea was dismissed. The Wayanad legislator faces mounting charges stemming from fiery demonstrations that targeted government liquor shops, escalating into widespread vandalism.
What began as a peaceful rally against the Kerala government’s liquor policy spiraled into chaos last month. Mamkootathil, spearheading the Youth Congress charge, was filmed smashing bottles and leading charges against outlets. Police swiftly registered cases under rioting and criminal mischief statutes, leading to his arrest and subsequent party expulsion.
During the bail hearing, defense lawyers argued for leniency citing political persecution and lack of direct evidence. However, the judge remained unmoved, pointing to CCTV visuals and witness testimonies that placed Mamkootathil squarely at the scene. ‘The accused’s actions risked public order,’ the court observed, prioritizing investigation continuity.
The fallout reverberates across Kerala’s political landscape. Senior Congress figures expressed outrage, calling it an assault on democratic rights, while CPI(M) leaders celebrated the decision as accountability in action. This development could reshape opposition dynamics, especially with Mamkootathil’s strong local base now in limbo.
Looking ahead, the saga exposes fault lines in the state’s dry-day debates and youth activism. Mamkootathil’s next move—an appeal to higher courts—looms large, but for the embattled MLA, freedom remains elusive. As supporters rally outside the jail, the question persists: is this the end of a political career or a temporary setback?
