Allegations fly thick and fast as trolley bag row takes centre stage

Thirteen days before the Palakkad Assembly bypolls, a blue suitcase has become the center of controversy. CPM released CCTV footage showing UDF candidate Rahul Mamkoottathil leaving in a different car with alleged unaccounted money being loaded into another vehicle. Former Youth Congress leader AK Shanib claimed hawala money reached Palakkad in Opposition leader VD Satheesan’s vehicle. Shanib left Congress and raised allegations against Shafi Parambil, announcing support for the LDF-backed independent candidate. CPM released more footage to support their claim that Mamkoottathil arrived and departed in different vehicles. Mamkoottathil refuted claims, stating he transferred the bag to another vehicle in front of the Press Club.