Court denies anticipatory bail to Congress leader in sexual assault case in Kerala

A court here on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of an expelled Congress leader accused of sexually assaulting a Dalit woman, officials said.

Mannarkad Special Court for SC/ST cases judge Jomon John rejected the plea filed by Prashob C Valsan, councillor of the 24th division of Palakkad Municipality. Last month, Palakkad South Police registered a case against Valsan after a woman filed a complaint alleging that he had sexually assaulted her multiple times on the promise of securing her a job and marrying her. She also alleged that the accused forced her to terminate a pregnancy and later began avoiding her. After the case was registered, Valsan went into hiding. During the Assembly election period, the BJP and CPI(M) raised the issue, claiming that Valsan was a close aide of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, also facing similar charges.

Following the filing of the anticipatory bail plea, the complainant approached the court seeking that a decision be taken only after hearing her. On Thursday, the court summoned and heard the complainant.

The prosecution argued that Valsan is an influential person who could tamper with evidence and influence the complainant if granted anticipatory bail.

It also submitted that he had not cooperated with the investigation and had been absconding for the past three weeks.

On the other hand, Valsan’s counsel contended that the allegations against him were baseless and the Congress leader is innocent.

Considering the gravity of the allegations and the circumstances of the case, the court denied the anticipatory bail plea.