Kerala MLA Arrested in Third Rape Case: Congress Distances Itself Amid Public Outrage

Kerala MLA held in 3rd rape case; Congress washes hands of him

In a shocking development that has sent tremors through Kerala’s political establishment, a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has been arrested in connection with his third rape allegation—this time involving a minor from his constituency. The accused, whose identity is widely reported in Indian media, was taken into custody by the Kerala Police’s Crime Branch after a special investigation team found “sufficient prima facie evidence” to proceed. Even more telling? His own party, the Indian National Congress, has officially “washed its hands” of him, declaring he no longer represents their values.

This isn’t just another scandal—it’s a litmus test for India’s political class. When a legislator faces multiple serious sexual assault charges over years and retains his position until public pressure becomes unbearable, it raises urgent questions: Who protects whom? And how many survivors must come forward before systemic change occurs? The Kerala MLA rape case has now become a national symbol of both institutional failure and the growing power of survivor voices demanding accountability.

Table of Contents

The Allegations: A Pattern of Abuse

According to police records and court filings, the MLA now faces three separate rape cases spanning nearly a decade:

  • 2017: A woman from his district accused him of rape after being lured under false promises of employment. The case was initially dropped due to lack of evidence and alleged witness intimidation.
  • 2021: Another complainant filed a case alleging sexual assault during a private meeting. The investigation stalled amid claims of political interference.
  • January 2026: The latest and most severe accusation involves a 17-year-old girl who alleges repeated sexual abuse over six months, culminating in threats when she tried to end contact.

The minor’s family approached the police only after local authorities allegedly dismissed their initial complaints. The case gained traction only after a local NGO intervened and filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court, which ordered an immediate SIT probe.

Congress Response: From Silence to Severance

For years, the Congress party remained conspicuously silent on the earlier allegations—despite internal dissent. But with mounting media scrutiny and protests by women’s rights groups, the party’s state leadership held an emergency meeting and issued a stark statement: “The individual concerned is no longer associated with the Indian National Congress. We stand firmly with survivors of sexual violence.”

Critics argue this is damage control, not principle. “They protected him as long as he delivered votes,” said Dr. Anjali Menon, a gender rights activist. “Only when the third case involved a minor did they act.” [INTERNAL_LINK:political-accountability-india-sexual-assault]

Why Now? The Tipping Point

Several factors forced Congress’s hand:

  1. The victim is a minor, invoking stricter provisions under POCSO.
  2. Social media outrage (#ExpelHim trended nationally).
  3. Rival parties (CPI(M), BJP) launched scathing attacks on Congress’s moral credibility.

The MLA was arrested under:

  • Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code
  • Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the POCSO Act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a minor)
  • Section 3(1)(w) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (if applicable based on victim’s background)

He is currently in judicial custody at Viyyur Central Prison. The SIT has seized mobile phones, call records, and CCTV footage from his official residence. Forensic analysis is underway.

Public and Political Reaction: Outrage and Demands for Reform

Women’s collectives across Kerala have staged protests demanding his immediate disqualification as MLA. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance and summoned Kerala’s DGP for a report.

Opposition leaders are calling for a law mandating automatic suspension of legislators facing serious criminal charges. “No elected representative should enjoy immunity while accused of violating the most basic human rights,” said a CPI(M) spokesperson.

Broader Context: Sexual Assault and Political Immunity in India

This case reflects a disturbing national trend. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), over 20% of sitting MPs and MLAs face serious criminal charges—including rape, murder, and kidnapping . Yet, conviction rates remain abysmally low, often due to delayed trials, witness tampering, or political shielding.

The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that candidates must disclose pending cases was a step forward—but enforcement remains weak. Without stronger anti-defection laws tied to criminal conduct, experts warn such abuses will persist.

Legally, if convicted under POCSO, the MLA faces a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment. Politically, his seat could be declared vacant if he’s sentenced to two or more years in prison (per Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act).

However, legal delays could stretch the trial for years—during which he may retain his seat unless the Speaker exercises discretionary powers to suspend him, a rare move in Indian politics.

Conclusion: A Turning Point or Another Forgotten Case?

The Kerala MLA rape case has all the elements of a watershed moment: a minor victim, a serial offender, and a major party finally cutting ties. But history shows that public memory is short, and political expediency often wins over justice. Whether this case leads to real reform—or fades into the archives of broken promises—depends on sustained pressure from citizens, media, and civil society. For now, one thing is clear: silence is no longer an option.

Sources

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