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Rape accused Franco Mulakkal steps down as Bishop of Jalandhar

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NEW DELHI: Franco Mulakkal, the accused in the Kerala nun rape case, has stepped down as Bishop of Jalandhar.

“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,” Franco Mulakkal wrote in a letter.

He said, “I leave everything into the hand of God as I await the result of the findings of the team probing the allegation. In my absence Msgr. Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese as is the normal practice when I am away from the Diocese.”

Meanwhile, a group of protesting nuns from Kerala on Saturday said that they “will rest” only after the bishop accused of sexually abusing a senior nun is questioned and arrested.

Speaking to the media, one of the five nuns who along with hundreds of people are protesting here said: “We will not rest and we will not be happy till he is questioned and arrested.”

Another nun said that Bishop Franco was very powerful and cannot be underestimated.

“We will continue the protest and will not stop till Bishop Franco is arrested.”

On Thursday, the bishop got a breather from the Kerala High Court which said that “arrest is not the issue” and expressed satisfaction in the ongoing probe.

The victim has accused Mulakkal of repeatedly sexually abusing her between 2014 and 2016. There are five other nuns of the same congregation who have supported her claim.

An FIR was registered against the bishop and a 114-page detailed statement was taken from the victim and other inmates of the convent.

However, Mulakkal has denied any wrongdoing and termed it a conspiracy hatched against him.

(Ians inputs)

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