Lookout Notice for Catholic Priest Who Allegedly Raped Teenager in Kerala

Ernakulam:  The police in Kerala have issued a look out notice – or a warning at borders and airports – for a catholic priest who is wanted for allegedly raping a 14-year-old in a church in Ernakulam earlier this year.

Father Edwin Figurez has been missing since May 5, when the state High Court rejected his request for bail. The police are looking for him not just in Kerala, but also in other states including Delhi and Karnataka.

The police say the priest raped the teenager in a church complex nearly five times between January and March, mostly when she came for confession.

The girl, a Class 10 student, had was involved in church activities and reportedly worked closely with the priest for over a year.

Her parents filed an FIR or First Information Report on April 1 under a stringent law on sexual crimes against children.

A day after the family went to the police, the priest allegedly took a flight to a Gulf country. He returned when the High Court stopped the police from arresting him till May 5, until his bail petition was heard.

The police had then confiscated his passport and believe he may not have fled the country.