Malayalam Writer Honey Bhaskaran, speaking exclusively to India Today, said her decision to call out ex-Kerala Youth Congress state president and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil came after learning that many of her friends too “have gone through the same thing.”

She stressed that her complaint was not about the messages alone but “the way he presented it in his circle.” Honey alleged that Mamkootathil misrepresented their chats before his party colleagues, claiming she regularly texted him and boasted about it.

Her comments came after Mamkootathil resigned from the post of Kerala Youth Congress State President.

“This is a difficult situation as many women are hesitant to speak about it. The reason is these people tell different stories to others. Our people stand with us only till we speak about it. Many women are scared because of this,” Honey said.

She added that she knew of other women who had been victims but could not reveal names because of legal limitations. “I know about the trauma they are going through. That’s why I decided to speak,” she said.

Earlier, Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George alleged that a “youth leader” from a “major political party” had repeatedly sent her offensive messages and even invited her to a hotel.

Mamkootathil then resigned from the post, but said he was stepping down not because he had done anything wrong, but to ensure the party could focus on its work.

– Ends