(Image source from: Facebook.com/rahulbrmamkootathil)
Malayalam performer Rini George has accused a young leader from a well-known political party of sending her inappropriate messages for three years and asking her to meet him at a luxurious hotel. She claimed that the officials of the party took no action even after she filed many complaints. The actress chose not to reveal the name of the person accused or which party he belongs to; however, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has pointed fingers at Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, even protesting outside his office in Palakkad district. Mr. Mamkootathil rejected the accusations but resigned from his position as the Youth Congress head on Friday. "I dare the person who made the complaint to prove it legally. No real complaint has been filed against me from anywhere," he stated. The actress made these claims during an online interview that quickly became popular.
"I met the politician through social media. His inappropriate actions started three years ago when I got the first disturbing messages from him," Ms. George reported. She stated that the leader even suggested booking a room at a five-star hotel for her to come over. Additionally, she claimed that the senior members of the party ignored her complaints and that the young leader kept getting important roles within the party despite her warnings. She mentioned that when she cautioned him about going to higher party officials, he allegedly brushed her off, saying, "You can go tell anyone... who cares?"
"The impression I had of them has been destroyed. Even after I complained, he was still given several important roles in the party," she added. The accused, she noted, also questioned her about what happened to political figures who were formerly accused of sexual misconduct. The actress expressed that she isn't moving forward with a complaint due to safety concerns and her "lack of trust in the legal system." She also mentioned that she "didn't want to shame the political party involved," but felt compelled to speak out for other women who she believes were targeted by the leader. "I have not faced any assault; I just received these messages. But through friends, I learned that many other women experienced harassment, and I am advocating for them," she explained.
As the actress’s interview gained widespread attention, the BJP raised accusations against Mr. Mamkootathil and called for him to resign. During their demonstration outside his office in Palakkad, they clashed with police who attempted to clear the area.
