Minor’s rape: CWC officials removed

Times of India
March 07, 2017

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/minors-rape-cwc-officials-removed/articleshow/57502832.cms

KANNUR: The Social Justice Department has formally removed Wayanad Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman Thomas Joseph Therakam and member Betty Jose from their posts and the responsibility has been handed over to the CWC in Kozhikode. The other three members of the CWC also have been temporarily kept in abeyance from the CWC pending inquiry, according to a circular issued by social justice department secretary Mini Antony.

The official circular in his regard was issued on Monday night, after they were accused of helping Fr Robin Vadakkancheril alias Mathew Vadakkancheril, the former parish vicar of St Sebastian's Church at Neendunoki in Kottiyoor, who is accused of raping the minor girl.

The charge against them is that they helped the accused in hushing up the case. Though the newborn of the rape survivor, who delivered on February 7, was taken to Holy Infant Mary's Foundling Home, which is part of the Holy Infant Mary's Girls Home at Vythiri in Wayanad, the same night, the CWC signed the surrender document only on February 20. Though the CWC said the process was as per procedure, an inquiry found serious lapses. The foundling home, which is also facing charges in the case, had raised charges against the CWC.

Meanwhile, four persons, including three Catholic nuns, accused of trying to help hush up the case, have moved anticipatory bail applications in local courts on Monday. The move comes after police registered cases against them under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Sources said that three staff members of the Christu Raj Hospital in Koothuparamba in the district, where the girl delivered a baby, gynaecologist Tessy Jose, administrator Ancy Mathew and paediatrician Hyderali, moved the bail plea at the additional sessions court-1 at Thalassery. The fourth person, Sr Ophelia, the superintendent of Holy Infant Mary's Girls Home, moved the bail plea at the additional sessions court at Kalpetta in Wayanad. Sources said the courts are likely to hear the pleas on Tuesday.

There are eight accused in the case now, including Fr Robin.

Meanwhile, police have moved a plea in the additional sessions court to get Fr Robin in their custody for further questioning. Though there are reports that another priest helped him in getting an air ticket to go to Canada, in his foiled bid to flee the country, as of now the investigation is focused on the accused already named.

Police have also taken into custody the vehicle which was used to shift the newborn to the foundling home. Police said the vehicle belongs to a convent at Kallumutti, near Iritty in the district. Two nuns from this convent -- Sr Anitta and Sr Liz Maria -- had taken the baby in this car.