Rape accused Franco Mulakkal gets rousing reception in Jalandhar
Jalandhar, Oct 17: Roman Catholic bishop Franco Mulakkal, who faces allegations of raping a nun, received a rousing welcome from his supporters when he reached Jalandhar after being released on bail by a Kerala court.
Mulakkal smiled as followers showered rose petals on him. Till a few weeks ago, he held charge as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese. The bishop, who was escorted by Punjab police personnel, did not talk to the media.
Mulakkal
was
arrested
on
September
21
on
charges
of
raping
a
nun
at
a
guest
house
in
Kuravilangad
in
May
2014
and
later
sexually
exploiting
her
on
many
occasions.
Mulakkal,
who
pleaded
not
guilty,
was
granted
bail
on
his
second
attempt.
In
his
petition,
he
claimed
he
was
kept
in
police
remand
for
almost
30
days
and
had
cooperated
with
the
investigation
proceedings
as
well.
However, his initial bail application was rejected by the court, based on the prosecution's advice that releasing the bishop would result in subverting the case by influencing the witnesses.
Besides, the police also opposed the bail application, saying the investigation was still proceeding in the case.
While granting bail, the court directed Mulakkal to surrender his passport and not to enter Kerala except for appearing before the probe officer once every two weeks. The condition will be applicable till a chargesheet is filed.
A large number of people, including his supporters and independent MLA P C George, greeted the 54-year-old clergyman as he came out of the jail. A prayer meeting was held in front of the jail in anticipation of his release.