Kerala HC rejects former Jalandhar bishop’s bail plea in nun rape case
KOCHI: The Kerala high court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of former Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested for the alleged rape of a 43-year-old nun multiple times between 2014 and 2016.
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea, accepting the prosecution’s argument that Mulakkal, who holds a high position in society, may try to influence witnesses in the case if he was granted bail.
Police said the investigation in the case are still progressing after the arrest of Malakkal on September 21. The court also took note of the prosecution’s submission that the investigation was at a crucial stage and more statements by fellow nuns of Malakkarl’s accuser have to be recorded before a magistrate.
The bishop moved the high court after a magistrate’s court in Pala rejected his bail application, in which he said he had been implicated for taking action against the nun. He is currently under judicial remand in a subjail in Pala in Kottayam district.
In June, the nun, also a mother superior, had complained to the police that Mulakkal, 54, had raped her 13 times between 2014 and 2016. The nun is a member of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation based in Punjab which runs three convents in Kerala.
Mulakkal is the first bishop in the country to be sent to jail on charges of rape. He has denied the allegations, terming them a conspiracy against the church.