Kerala: Three accused in Catholic priest rape case surrender

The Kerala high court had on March 14 directed the four accused, the three and one Thangamma-a midwife who had moved for bail, to surrender before the investigating officers within five days.

The three co-accused, who allegedly helped Kottiyoor priest Robin Vadakkumchery in covering up the rape of minor after which the girl gave birth to a baby, have surrendered before the police at Kannur on Friday.

Those who surrendered were former chairman of Child Welfare Committee Joseph Therakam, and members of the committee, sister Ophelia and a medical professional Betty Jose.

Robin Vadakkumcherya, 49-year-old Catholic parish vicar near Kannur, was arrested on February 28 allegedly raping a 17-year-old school girl, who gave birth to a baby boy last month. He even offered a sum of of Rs 10 lakh to the family to hush it up. Vadakkumchery is a vicar of St Sebastians Church in Kottiyoor and the girl is a student in the school that is run by the Church.

Therakam has been named as co-accused for his role in helping the main accused to flee the country. For this dubious act, he was even divested of the post later by CWC Chairman.

The high court of Kerala had directed all the persons named in the case, who were on the run, to surrender to the police.

OneIndia News