KANNUR: The police on Tuesday arrested Fr Robin Vadakkancheril who went absconding after allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in Kottiyoor in Kannur. The minor had delivered a baby at a private hospital here the other day.
The priest, who was arrested at Chalakkudy, was presented before the Thalassery District Session’s Court, which remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.
The police intercepted his vehicle around 3 pm on Monday and brought him to Peravoor for questioning. However, the arrest was only recorded on Tuesday.
Cops suspect Robin was trying to leave the country. The priest, reportedly, has confessed to the crime.
The girl was allegedly raped in the room of the St Sebastian’s Church,Kottiyoor, where he had been serving as a priest.
The girl had gone to school days before she was admitted to the private hospital for delivery. On queries whether the school tried to hush up this fact, the police said it was too early to say whether the school management was in the know about this or not.
The police have filed a case under Section 376 and POCSO Act. The Mananthavady diocese has decided to remove the priest from the diocese.