INDIA
The New Indian Express
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed four accused in a case related to the rape of a minor girl by a parish priest in Kannur to surrender before the Investigating officer within five days.
The court issued the order while disposing off the bail pleas filed by Fr Thomas Therakam, former Child welfare Council (CWC) Chairman of Wayanad District, Sister Betty Jose, former member of CWC Sister Ophilla, Superintendent- Holy Infant Mary’s Girls Home Adoption Center, Vythir, Wayanad and a midwife- Thankamma.
It is alleged that Fr. Robin Vadakkanchery, former vicar of the Neendunokki parish near Kottiyur under Mananthavadi Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church had raped a Class XI student, a resident of Neendunooki in Kottiyoor. The victim delivered a baby on February 26, and the child was later sent to Holy Infant Mary’s Girls Home Adoption Center, Vythiri, Wayanad.
The investigating officers, who visited the hospital-where the child was delivered- and the orphanage found huge discrepancies. The police have registered cases under Protection of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Juvenile Justice Act against six women including five nuns and a doctor.
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