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Priest’s rape of minor: Diocese suspends its spokesperson

Times of India
March 06, 2017

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/priests-rape-of-minor-diocese-suspends-its-spokesperson/articleshow/57483467.cms

KANNUR: A day after Wayanad Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman Fr Thomas Joseph Therakam was removed from his post for his alleged role in a conspiracy to hush up a minor's rape by a priest and her subsequent delivery, church authorities suspended him as the spokesperson of Manathavady diocese.

A statement issued by bishop Jose Porunnedam of Mananthavady diocese on Sunday said the decision was taken in the backdrop of the government's move to sack Therakam.

The bishop, who had earlier apologized to the survivor and her family said the diocese will stand by the survivor. The statement also said steps would be taken to avoid such incidents in future. Meanwhile, the foundling home which is part of the Holy Infant Mary's Girls Home at Vythiri in Wayand alleged that the CWC has been making baseless charges against it. In an official statement issued by the administrator, the foundling home said its officials had informed about the newborn baby the very next day it was brought to the orphanage.

It said CWC desisted from taking any follow-up actions as per Section 18 of the Juvenile Justice Act. The orphanage officials said they accepted the baby as they were told that its mother was hospitalized and that she would come to the foundling home after her discharge. They said they met the baby's mother on February 20 when the baby was taken to a hospital, where CWC member Betty Jose was working. In an effort to save its face the CWC sent them an email seeking explanation on March 2, the officials of the foundling home said. They also said they had no idea that the baby's mother was a minor.

Meanwhile, police have intensified search in different parts of Wayanad to trace the other accused in the case. Since the government has made it clear that the CWC chairman and a member have been removed from their posts, they are also likely to be named as accused, police said. Police have already registered cases against eight people including the arrested priest and five nuns. Father Robin Vadakkancheril (48) the parish vicar at St Sebastian Church in Neendunoki near Kottiyoor, is currently in judicial remand on the charge of raping a minor girl.




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