Kottiyoor rape case: Second accused surrenders

KOZHIKODE: Thankamma Nelliyani, second accused in the case in which a priest raped a minor at Kottiyoor, has surrendered before the investigating officers in Peravoor. Thankamma reported to Peravoor circle inspector N. Anilkumar around 6 am. They interrogated her on her role in hiding the newborn to save Fr Robin Vadakkumchery from the disgrace. The POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) Court, Thalassery, released her on bail. The priest was arrested on February 27 from Thrissur after the girl who delivered a boy revealed to the police that he raped her resulting in the pregnancy. 

Police says the woman coordinated shifting of the newborn to an orphanage at Vythiri. Sr Ophelia, the superintendent of Holly Infant Jesus Fondling Home, Vythiri, who surrendered the other day, suppressed the information while the Child Welfare Committee failed to report it to the government. Among the ten accused, Wayanad CWC chairman Fr Thomas Joseph Therakam and member Sr Betty Jose had also surrendered on Friday.