Kerala Crime Branch Files Chargesheet Against Congress MLA Kunnappilly In 'Sexual Assault' Case

The charge sheet, submitted to the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court, also named two of Kunnappilly's friends as accused.

Eldhose Kunnappilly is a Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly representing Perumbavoor since 2016. (File Photo) ( Image Source :X/@ANI )

In a case involving the rape of a woman, Crime Branch wing of the Kerala police filed a charge sheet on Wednesday against Perumbavoor MLA and Congress leader Eldhose Kunnappilly. The charge sheet, submitted to the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court, also named two of Kunnappilly's friends as accused.

On September 28, 2023, a resident of Petta lodged a complaint accusing Eldhose Kunnappilly of sexual assault. She reported to the City Police Commissioner that the legislator, in an inebriated state, entered her home and molested her. Subsequently, he allegedly forced her into his car and sexually assaulted her while en route to Kovalam. The charge sheet further revealed that the initial incident of rape occurred at a resort in Adimalathura on July 4, 2022, according to a report on Manorama.

The police registered a case against the two-time legislator after a woman reported that she had been raped multiple times since July 2022.

According to the charge sheet, Kunnappilly raped the woman multiple times at various locations and even attempted to murder her following an altercation in Kovalam, as reported by IANS.

The police later included a section for attempted murder after the woman made that claim. However, the MLA subsequently obtained anticipatory bail from the Additional Sessions and District Court. 

In addition to charges of rape and attempted murder, the Congress MLA has also been accused of assault. The alleged victim claimed that Kunnappilly abducted and manhandled her. She further stated that Kunnappilly offered her Rs 30 lakh to settle the case against him.

Addressing the media, Kunnappilly claimed that the charge sheet was a result of a political ploy. He alleged that the case was filed against him because he is an "opposition MLA."

Eldhose Kunnappilly is a Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly representing Perumbavoor since 2016.