Get SIT to probe rape allegation against Rev Mathew: HC to Govt

A single bench of the Kerala High Court directed the Government on Friday to form a Special Investigation Team headed by an IG of police to enquire into the rape of a woman allegedly by Rev Mathew Thadathil of Divine Retreat Centre (DRC) at Muringoor in Thrissur.

The court also directed the State Government to enquire into violation of foreign exchange regulations alleged against the centre as well as to look into the unnatural deaths happening around the DRC.

The single-bench of the High Court consisting Justice K Padmanabhan Nair registered a suo motto case following an anonymous complaint received by the court, accompanied by documents and CDs to support the allegations against DRC and Rev Thadathil

The court also directed the Government to issue a notification under Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which requires the case to be investigated by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, unless the State Government issues a special order enabling an inspector of police to investigate the case.

The woman, who is detained in the district jail, had filed a complaint before the District and Sessions Judge, Kozhikode alleging she was raped by a priest, following which a case was registered by Koratty Police.

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