Mananthavady: Mananthavady diocese has suspended its spokesperson for his alleged role in a conspiracy to hush up a minor’s rape by a priest.

A statement issued by Bishop Jose Porunnedom of Mananthavady said the decision to remove Father Thomas Therakam was taken in the backdrop of the Kerala government’s move to sack the priest as the chairperson of the Wayanad Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The bishop, who had earlier apologized to the survivor and her family, said the diocese would stand by the survivor. The statement also said steps would be taken to avoid such incidents in future.

Meanwhile, the foundling home, which is part of the Holy Infant Mary’s Girls Home at Vythiri in Wayanad, alleged that the CWC has made baseless charges against it. In an official statement issued by the administrator, the home said its officials had informed about the newborn baby a day after it was brought to the orphanage.

It said CWC desisted from taking any follow-up actions under Section 18 of the Juvenile Justice Act. The orphanage officials said they accepted the baby as they were told that its mother was hospitalized and that she would come to the home after her discharge, The Times of India reported.

They said they met the baby’s mother on February 20 when the baby was taken to a hospital, where CWC member Sister Betty Jose worked. The CWC on March 2 sent an email to the orphanage seeking explanation. The orphanage officials also said they had no idea that the baby’s mother was a minor.

Meanwhile, police search for other accused in the case entered the third day on March 6. Since the government has clarified that it has removed the CWC chairperson and a member from their posts, they are also likely to be named as accused, police said.

Police have already registered cases against eight people including the arrested priest and five nuns. Father Robin Vadakkumcherry (48) the parish vicar at St Sebastian Church in Neendunoki near Kottiyoor, is currently in judicial remand on the charge of raping a minor girl.