The Kerala High Court on Thursday said it would monitor the investigation in the rape case in which Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal is an accused to ensure that the complainant and witnesses are not intimidated, Live Law reported. The High Court said it was satisfied with the ongoing police investigation, and dismissed a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry.
A nun from the Missionaries of Jesus congregation has accused Mulakkal of raping her several times between 2014 and 2016. The congregation is based in Punjab’s Jalandhar but it runs two convents in Kerala – one in Kottayam and the other in Kannur. The alleged abuse took place in Kottayam. A group of nuns have been protesting for the last few days in Kochi against the delay in a police investigation.
On Thursday, the Kerala Police submitted its second affidavit in the High Court in connection with the rape case, ANI reported. The police told the court that there were several contradictions in the statements of various people, including the complainant herself.
The public prosecutor said round-the-clock security has been provided to the complainant since July. The police also submitted before the High Court that the accused bishop has been summoned before it on September 19.
The nun’s counsel, Sandhya Raju, told the court: “Money was offered to the members of the family and they are also being threatened.”
The High Court also refused to order the police to arrest Mulakkal, and said it will hear the case after the police interrogate him. The court will next hear the case on September 24.
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