Kozhikode sources have stated that the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Kerala's Wayanad district was disbanded today by the state government. The government removed from their position CWC Chairman, Fr Thomas Joseph Therakam and one of the committee members, Betty Jose after they were charged with covering up the rape of the minor girl by a catholic priest in Kottiyoor in Kannur district, about 120 kms from here.
Sources have added that the Health Minister K K Shylaja had recommended the removal of the two after the police investigation had brought out the fact that documents were manipulated to change the age of the victim. Kozhikode CWC has been given additional charge of Wayanad CWC.
Meanwhile Fr Robin alias Mathew Vadakkencheril, who
was the vicar of the local church in Kottiyoor and the prime accused in the
case was arrested on February 28 on charges of sexually exploiting and
impregnating the 16-year-old girl. The victim gave birth to a baby boy on
February 7 at a private hospital in Kuthuparamba in Kannur district. The child
was taken to an orphanage at Vythiri in Wayanad district.
As per report from sources it was stated that the officials of the orphanage had alleged that the CWC did not take any action even though they had informed it about the newborn on February 8, a day after the infant was admitted there. Meanwhile, police are on the lookout for seven accused who are still absconding.
