The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a bail petition filed by Edwin Figarez, an accused in the case relating to rape of a minor girl at North Paravur.
Justice K. Ramakrishnan while dismissing the petition observed that it was quite unfortunate that sexual abuse of children was on the increase.
The court pointed out that accused in the case was a priest who was supposed to teach morals and prevent the faithful from committing any offence. In his bail petition, the accused, who is a priest with the Lourdes Matha Church, Puthenvelikkara, said that the case had been foisted on him.
Opposing the bail plea, Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali submitted that custody of the accused was required for conducting a proper investigation. If he was granted bail, he would influence the witnesses.
The court dismissed the arguments of the counsel for the priest that there was a delay in lodging the complaint.
