Published Mar 27, 2026 | 7:55 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 27, 2026 | 7:55 PM
Sexual assault. Representational Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: According to the survivor, the accused initially visited her residence under the pretext of offering employment and allegedly assaulted her there. The woman further claimed that she was later taken in a car on the promise of a job opportunity in Pattambi and was assaulted again during the journey, including near the Palakkad District Hospital.
Palakkad’s already tense election atmosphere has been jolted by yet another sexual assault allegation, placing the Congress on the defensive in a constituency where the political stakes were already high.
A Dalit woman has filed a complaint against Prasobh C. Valsan, a Congress municipal councillor from the 24th ward, accusing him of rape and repeated sexual abuse.
The complaint, submitted to the Chief Minister and district police authorities, alleged that she was lured with promises of a job before being assaulted multiple times.
According to the complaint, the accused initially visited her residence under the pretext of offering employment and allegedly assaulted her there. The woman further claimed that she was later taken in a car on the promise of a job opportunity in Pattambi and was assaulted again during the journey, including near the Palakkad District Hospital.
She has also alleged threats and further attempts to assault her at a hotel. The complainant says she recorded parts of the incidents on her mobile phone out of fear for her safety. She has also claimed that she was forced to terminate a pregnancy and was repeatedly threatened.
After approaching multiple authorities, she says she finally decided to escalate the matter formally.
The accused has not offered a detailed response so far.
The development comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Congress, which is already facing political pressure over separate allegations involving sitting MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Within party circles, there is concern that the back-to-back controversies could dent its prospects in Palakkad.
The BJP and CPI(M) have quickly moved to sharpen their attacks. BJP candidate Sobha Surendran demanded immediate police action, warning of protests if there is any delay in arresting the accused.
With the UDF, LDF and NDA all eyeing a crucial win in Palakkad, the constituency is now witnessing a campaign increasingly dominated by allegations, counter-allegations — and rising political heat.
The Congress had earlier expelled Rahul Mamkootathil, the sitting MLA from Palakkad, following multiple allegations of sexual assaults against him.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
