Diocese removes priest who helped rape accused Kerala pastor

By Anusha Ravi
One India
March 6, 2017

http://www.oneindia.com/india/diocese-removes-priest-who-helped-rape-accused-kerala-pastor-2366154.html

The Mananthavady diocese removed its spokesperson Father Thomas Joseph Therakam for helping rape accused pastor Father Robin Mathew Vadakkanchery cover up the rape of a minor. After facing charges of shielding a rape accused priest, the diocese sent a letter of apology to the victim's parents and also removed its member for making arrangements for the accused to flee the country.

Father Therakam was removed after the church found out that he had not only arranged for the 16-year-old rape victim to be shifted to an orphanage run by the church but also arranged for the accused to flee to Canada after the incident came to light. As ironical as it is, Father Therakam is also the chairman of Child Welfare Committee in Wayanad. The state government had hinted at removing him from the committee but the man is currently absconding along with another member and a nun, Dr Betty.

Meanwhile, the police are still on the lookout for seven others against whom cases have been filed for helping cover up the rape of a 16-year-old. The rape accused priest was arrested on February 28, when he was trying to flee to Canada. The church, it their letter to the victim and her parents claimed that they would not stand by the accused and would extend all support to the victim's family.