"Look-out Notice Issued against Rape Accused"

New Indian Express
September 23, 2015

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Look-out-Notice-Issued-against-Rape-Accused/2015/09/23/article3042347.ece

The police on Tuesday submitted before the Kerala High Court that they had issued a lookout notice against Fr Edwin Figarez, who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl at the parsonage of Lourdes Matha Church, Puthenvelikkara, on multiple occasions.

It was submitted that a potency test should be conducted on the accused as part of the investigation. The police made the submission opposing the anticipatory bail plea filed by Fr Edwin.

Director General of Prosecution T Asaf Ali submitted that the arrest of the accused and his interrogation were inevitable for collection of evidence. “The cruelty meted out by the accused towards the victim sends a very bad message to society,” it was submitted.

The case is that Fr Edwin raped the minor girl at the parsonage of the Church on various occasions, from January 2015 until March 28, 2015. Vadakkekkara SI T M Varghese, the investigating officer of the case, stated that Bishop of the Kottappuram Diocese had formed a committee to inquire into the allegation against the accused. The probe confirmed that the accused had committed the offence, and the church banned him from participating in the Holy Mass. A circular in this regard was issued on April 12.

The police informed the court that an identification parade should be conducted on Fr Edwin, and that he should be questioned. Further evidence, including the laptop and mobile phone that were used by the accused to show pornographic videos and photos to the victim, should also be recovered.

The petitioner had submitted that he was approaching the court for anticipatory bail for the second time. The court had earlier dismissed the bail plea, and Fr Edwin approached the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court granted permission to withdraw the petition and allowed him to file petition before the appropriate court.

The petitioner submitted that he had appeared before the investigation officer who subjected him to interrogation, and that there was no reason to arrest him. He also surrendered his passport before the officer.

Fr Edwin further submitted that the offences were falsely foisted and were incorporated with malafide intention.