Rape case: Former Perumbavoor MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly acquitted after complainant and witnesses turn hostile - The HinduPublished - May 26, 2026 08:57 pm IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAMThe Neyyattinkara Sessions Court acquitted former Perumbavoor MLA, Eldhose Kunnappilly and two co-accused in a high-profile rape and attempted murder case on Tuesday.The verdict came after a dramatic turnaround in the trial a day ago, during which the complainant and three other crucial witnesses turned hostile a day ago. The complainant, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, altered her original statement and testified that Mr. Kunnappilly had not sexually assaulted her.The case dates back to an incident that had occurred on September 28, 2022. The woman had filed a complaint alleging that Mr. Kunnappilly, the then sitting MLA of Perumbavoor, had forcefully taken her to various locations, including Kovalam, a friend’s flat, and his residence in Perumbavoor, and repeatedly assaulted her.The Thiruvananthapuram District Crime Branch, which investigated the case, submitted the chargesheet in May 2024. The investigation team had invoked charges pertaining to rape and attempted murder in the case based on allegations that the accused tried to push the complainant of a hilltop.Mr. Kunnappilly’s friends, Raneesha and Sippy Noordeen, the co-accused in the case, were charged with criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening the woman to withdraw her complaint.The legal battle reportedly prompted the Congress party leadership to deny him a seat to contest from Perumbavoor in the recent Assembly elections.Reacting to the verdict, Mr. Kunnappilly said that he always had ultimate faith that his innocence would be proven. He also dismissed claims that the party wronged him by denying a seat to contest at the polls.Published - May 26, 2026 08:57 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }