Kerala nun rape: Audio clip of priest trying to bribe nun surfaces

Thiruvananthapuram, July 31: The Kerala police have registered a case against Father James Erayathil for allegedly intimidating and influencing a key witness in the case against Jalandhar Bishop Frank Mullakal, who is accused of sexually exploiting a nun.

The case was booked after an audio clip surfaced in which a bribe bid is allegedly made to withdraw the case. In the clip, the Father is heard speaking to Sister Anupama, who was one of the five nuns supporting the victim. He is heard making a bribe bid where he offers land and high positions if the case is withdrawn.

The authenticity of the audio clip could not be ascertained. The police said that a team would be sent now to Jalandhar to question the Bishop. A detailed questionnaire would be prepared based on the evidence gathered following which the Bishop will be questioned.

The nun had filed a complaint a month ago and later recorded her statement before a magistrate. She later said she will hand over the audio tape to the investigating team.