(Image source from: Mathrubhumi)

The Kerala police have registered a criminal case against Father James Erthayil, the priest whose leaked audio conversation exposed his attempt to bribe and threaten a nun to withdraw a rape case against a bishop.

"A criminal case has been registered against the priest at the Kanjirapally police station on Monday evening. He has been booked under IPC sections 214 (Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender), 506 (Criminal Intimidation) and 120 (O) of the Kerala Police Act (causing nuisance to any person by repeated or undesirable or anonymous call, letter, writing, message, e-mail or through a messenger)," Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) Subhash confirmed to a media source.

The probe will commence on Tuesday and be following this, a case will be registered against the priest, the DYSP added.

By Sowmya Sangam