Kottayam, September 15: The Police have issued a notice to Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal to appear for interrogation on September 19. A criminal case has also been registered against the Missionaries of Jesus for publishing a letter as well as a photo of the victim nun. Meanwhile, the brother of the victim has also slammed the congregation for disclosing the identity of the nun.

He said, "Yesterday Missionaries of Jesus published a letter as well as a photo of the victim. I condemn that. It's very shameful, people of a congregation like that don't know Court's order. It is very sad that they want to harass my sister in such a way."

On asking about the Vatican to get involved in the case, the victim's brother said,  " it's being discussed the Vatican is getting involved but I feel it's fake. It was said they make take 2-3 days to take action but if they want to take it before Pope, they could take it even today and if they do they'll write and send it to concerned people." He also claimed that the news of the Vatican getting involved in the case was spread by the culprits to weaken the spirit of the protesters.

Meanwhile, Joint Christian Council member Stephen Mathew continues with his hunger strike which enters 8th day today. Aloshi Joseph, member of Catholic Reformation Movement has also joined him in the indefinite hunger strike demanding the arrest of Mulakkal.

The 54-year-old Mullakal has also stepped down as the Jalandhar Bishop. Mulakkal is accused of raping a 44-year-old nun, associated with the Catholic Convent in Kottayam, 12 times between 2014 to 2016. She broke her silence three months ago and registered a case against the Bishop on June 27. Meanwhile, protests are underway in several parts of Kerala, including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, seeking police action against Mulakkal at the earliest.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2018 03:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).