In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has rejected anticipatory bail for expelled Congress councillor M.A. Prashob in a rape case involving the alleged sexual exploitation of a Dalit woman under the guise of job opportunities and support. This decision upholds the previous ruling of the Special SC/ST Court, which identified a prima facie case against him. The case, originating from Palakkad Town South Police Station, has brought political embarrassment to the Congress in Palakkad, with the CPI(M) leveraging it during the Assembly polls campaign.
Prashob, despite being married, is accused of engaging in a relationship with the complainant for about one-and-a-half years, promising her employment and ongoing assistance, leading to sexual encounters. The woman, a member of the Scheduled Caste community, claimed she became pregnant during the affair and faced threats and abuse once it became public. The police have charged Prashob under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape, sexual exploitation, and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The defence argued in the High Court that the allegations suggested a consensual adult relationship and that the SC/ST Act was misapplied. However, the complainant’s counsel opposed the bail plea, alleging emotional and sexual manipulation by Prashob over an extended period. The complainant stated that the initial contact with Prashob occurred after an incident involving his father, who allegedly misbehaved with her, and she was later coerced into the relationship with promises of employment and protection.
With the High Court’s denial of anticipatory bail, the expelled councillor now faces potential arrest as the investigation proceeds.
