Rape accused Kerala priest gets 20 years imprisonment

Kannur: Robin Vadakkumchery a priest from Mananthavady diocese has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3 lakh for being found guilty of raping a 16-year minor girl from Kannur.

The verdict was pronounced by Thalassery POCSO court Judge PN Vinod on Saturday.

Though the priest was sentenced to a total 60 years’ imprisonment on various charges but he has a respite in that his all sentences could be over in 20 years.

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The court has also ordred the accsued to pay a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh as penalty which will be given to the victim.

The other six accused in the case (includes five nuns and one administrator) were acquitted by the court as the prosecution failed to prove charges against them. Charges of conspiracy and forgery of documents were filed against the six accused.

The judge also directed to take action against girl's parents who had given false statment and tried to mislead the court.

Backdrop:

On February 7, 2017 the minor gave birth to a child in Kannur district. The rame victim was a student at the school where Robin was teaching and raped her repeatedly.

The victim was admitted in the hospital after she complained of stomach ache. The incident came to light after the Childline Kannur got an anonymous letter and took up the matter with administration and judiciary on behalf of the victim.