Kerala, September 11: In the latest development to the Kerala nun rape case, where Jalandhar Bishop James Franco Mulakkal was accused of sexual abuse and rape, the victim has written a letter to the Apostolic Nuncio of India, Giambattista Diquattro who is an Ambassador to the Pope, in which she has highlighted her issues with the Church in handling her complaint. Kerala MLA PC George's 'Prostitute' Comment For Raped Nun Gets Condemned by NCW, Issues Summons to Him.

The church body, however, has shamed the victim and has said that the nun was involved in an illicit relationship and an 'innocent soul' shouldn't be sacrificed. In a press statement, the Missionaries of Jesus claimed that the rape allegations on Bishop of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal, were totally baseless. "We strongly condemn the protest in Kochi. We cannot crucify an innocent soul (Bishop) based on such allegations. The allegations are totally baseless. We doubt the nuns are forced into this protest by external influence," the statement read.

In the letter, the nun stated that “there are many sisters and women who are suffering silently without having the capacity to resist sexual abuse from people from whom they expect respect and care”.

Bishop Franco who was on the run for the last few days has denied all the allegations.  He spoke to CNN News 18 and has said, "It is a pressure tactic to subdue me, a conspiracy has been framed against me. Anti-churches forces attacking me. I will give 100-per cent cooperation in the probe."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2018 04:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).