KOCHI: Opposing the anticipatory bail plea of four priests accused in a rape case, the prosecution on Monday submitted before the Kerala High Court that the materials collected so far revealed the accused committed rape.
It also informed the accused had exploited the religious belief of the victim to fulfil their lust.
The prosecution made the submission on the petition filed by Fr Sony Varghese (Abraham Varghese), Fr Job Mathew, Fr Jaise K George and Fr Johnson V Mathew, priests of the Malankara Orthodox Church, apprehending arrest in the case.
Senior Government Pleader Suman Chakravarthy submitted the statement was given by the victim under section 164 of CrPC and corresponding evidence collected by the police prove the accused persons had committed the offence. No special status can be granted to the accused. The prosecution also submitted the affidavit produced by the accused has no relevance since it has been obtained from the victim by duress.
The prosecution also produced the case diary and other documents before the court. Meanwhile, the victim’s counsel opposed the bail plea and sought permission to implead in the case. The court posted the hearing of the case to Wednesday.