The three co-accused who allegedly helped Kottiyoor priest Robin Vadakkumchery in hushing up the rape of a child, after which the minor gave birth to a baby, surrendered before the investigation officer on Wednesday morning.

Dr. Tessy Jose, a nun and gynaecologist at Christu Raj Hospital Thokkilangadi, who delivered the survivor’s child, Dr. Hyderali, paediatrician in the hospital and Sr Ancy Mathew, nun and hospital administrator, surrendered before the Peravoor Circle Inspector Sunil Kumar after the Kerala High Court rejected their anticipatory bail plea.

As of now, including the prime accused Robin, eight accused have surrendered in the case.

Former Wayanad Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman Fr. Joseph Therakam, Sr. Ophilia, the Superintendent of Holy infant Mary orphanage at Wayanad, where the infant of the survivor was taken to immediately after the delivery and another nun Sr. Betty of CWC had surrendered last week.

The second accused Thankamma Nelliyani, who aided the survivor during her pregnancy and childbirth, was also arrested by police.

Two more nuns associated with the case are yet to be arrested by the police. They are the sixth and seventh accused viz. Liz Maria, a nun from a convent in Thonichal who helped the priest hide the crime and Sr Aneesha, a nun at Holy infant Mary orphanage.

Robin Vadakkumchery was arrested on February 28 while he was trying to escape to Canada. Police said that the charge sheet will soon be filed in the court.