Kerala : Catholic priest accused of raping minor girl surrenders

Following the complaint, Figarez had reportedly fled to the gulf and moved an anticipatory bail plea in the Kerala High Court which was rejected.

A catholic priest who is accused of raping a minor girl surrendered at a police station in Ernakulam today. Father Edwin Figarez, 43, is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in the Catholic community.

The accused was absconding since April when the family had made a complaint. The girl who was allegedly exploited several times in January had told her family about it. Following the complaint by her family, Figarez had reportedly fled to gulf and moved an anticipatory bail plea in the Kerala High Court which was rejected. The police in October had arrested two of his relatives for helping Figarez.

Figarez surrendered at the Vadakkekkara police station in Ernakulam at 1pm today. The police had put out a lookout notice for Figarez in May this year after which he was also suspended from the Parish by the bishop.

Figarez will be produced before a special POCSO court in Ernakulam on Wednesday. Statement of the victim and medical records will also be produced.

Source : India Today