Rape-accused Jalandhar bishop moves anticipatory bail plea in Kerala HC
Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping a nun, today filed an anticipatory bail application in the Kerala High Court, claiming that the allegations against him were a "cooked up" story to "wreak vengeance". Mulakkal moved the plea apprehending arrest in the non-bailable offense a day before his appearance before the special investigation team of the Kerala Police in connection with the case.
Mulakkal was accused of sexually assaulting the nun from 2014-2016
The 54-year-old clergyman claimed that the allegations leveled by the nun, serving in a congregation under the Jalandhar Diocese, is "wholly concocted and cooked up only to wreak vengeance" for the actions taken by him on various complaints received against her. The nun had accused the senior Catholic priest of sexually assaulting her repeatedly between 2014 and 2016.
Mulakkal had handed over his administrative charges on Saturday
The bishop had, however, dismissed the allegations insisting the nun leveled those as the Catholic order had rejected her demand for favors. Mulakkal, after stepping down from his post on Saturday, handed over the administrative charge of the Jalandhar Diocese to a senior priest.
