Bishop Franco Mulakkal To Be Arrested Tonight By Kochi Police in Kerala Nun Rape Case

Kochi, September 21: Kochi police will arrest Bishop Franco Mulakkal tonight. after three days of interrogation. He will be produced before the court within 24 hours of his arrest. Kottayam SP Hari Sankar told news agency ANI that the Bishop is still being interrogated by the police. The 54-year-old Bishop was accused of raping a nun 12 times between 2014 and 2016. The police started interrogating Mulakkal on September 19.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Minister EP Jayarajan ensured justice to the victim. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Probe is on the correct path. This govt won't save any culprit but ensure complete safety to women. We're with the victim. The investigation is being conducted sincerely. No culprit will be allowed to escape.”

Yesterday, Mulakkal was temporarily removed from the post of Bishop by Pope Francis. In a statement, the Vatican said Pope Francis had accepted the request of removal of Franco Mulakkal from the position of Bishop in the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab. Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias has been appointed as the new bishop of Jalandhar diocese.

Meanwhile, The Kerala High Court had agreed to hear Mulakkal's anticipatory bail plea on September 25. Earlier, an inquiry commission formed by the Missionaries of Jesus has given a clean chit to Franco Mulakkal. The inquiry commission 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 21, 2018 06:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).