Rape accused Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal steps down
New Delhi, Sept 15 (IBNS): Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the accused in the Kerala nun rape case, hs resigned from his position.
According to reports, a representative of the Vatican has arrived in India to discuss the issue with Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto.
"The meeting is underway in Chandigarh to decide the future course of action," reported NDTV.
In a letter dated September 13 as reported by NDTV, where he mentioned he would step down, Bishop Franco Mulakkal wrote: "I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers for me at this time continued problems affecting my Episcopal ministry. As you have probably come to know from the media the investigation into the allegations raised against me there are several contradictions in the evidences collected against me as per the report of the police. It is reported I am likely to be called for further clarifications by the investigating officer in Kerala."
He said Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese in his absence.
Kerala Police on Friday lodged a case against a Jalandhar-based group for publishing the picture of the a nun who accused a cleric of raping her several times, reports said.
The Punjab city-based Missionaries of Jesus published the image of the nun who had accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape.
The case was lodged based on a complaint by the nun's brother under Section 228 (A) of the IPC.
The aforementioned section deals with the disclosure of a rape victim's identity.
Reacting to the transgression, Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson M C Josephine urged legal action against the perpetrators.
“Exemplary action should be taken against those who tried to insult the victim. The commission will also look into this matter,” she was quoted as saying in the media.
The release, distributed in order to fend off charges against the accused cleric, said that the Bishop had not stayed at the facility in Kottayam on May 5, 2014, when the alleged rape took place for the first time.
Bishop Mulakkal is due to appear before the Jalandhar Police, who have summoned him for questioning pertaining to the alleged incident.
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