Kochi, September 25: Bishop Franco Mulakkal has been kept in remand for 12 days on Monday. He appeared unmoved by the decision and was taken to jail by 2:25 pm. According to a Times of India report, he had fish-curry and rice meal before he was taken to his cell. He will be sharing the cell with a petty-case convict and another remand prisoner. Reportedly, the Bishop appeared relaxed and slept on the floor. Bishop Franco Mulakkal To Be Arrested Tonight By Kochi Police in Kerala Nun Rape Case.

The police affidavit in the Kerala nun rape case has confirmed rape charges against Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal. The police affidavit filed in the Kerala High Court said, "During the course of the investigation so far conducted and the available evidence collected so far, it is revealed that the accused Bishop Franco committed an unnatural offence and committed rape repeatedly." Franco Mulakkal Temporarily Removed From Post of Bishop by Pope Francis.

This came a day after the Bishop, who had been on the run, appeared on television channels on Tuesday, and claimed that he was innocent. The rape-accused priest spoke to reporters from his residence in Punjab's Jalandhar on Tuesday and refuted the rape-charge levelled against him. The Bishop said that he was being targeted by vested forces through a "massive conspiracy".

Earlier, an inquiry commission formed by the Missionaries of Jesus has given a clean chit to Franco Mulakkal, and said the nun who alleged rape conspired with others to defame Mulakkal. The victim broke her silence three months ago and registered a case against the Bishop on June 27. The accused priest, however, has refuted the charge, claiming that he is being targeted through a "well-hatched conspiracy".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2018 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).