Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of allegedly raping a nun at a convent in Kerala, will move the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail on Tuesday. The move comes as the Kerala Police has summoned the Jalandhar bishop for questioning on Wednesday.
Last week, the Kerala Police had asked Bishop Mullakal to appear before the investigating team on September 19. Mulakkal had assured cooperation during the course of the probe.
The decision to summon the clergyman for questioning was taken last week after a meeting chaired by Sakhare, IG (Ernakulam range), which was also attended by Kottayam District Superintendent of Police Harisankar and Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Subhash, amid mounting pressure on police to initiate action against Mullakal.
With pressure mounting, Bishop Mulakkal, had on Saturday handed over charge of his duties and responsibilities to his fellow priests. On Monday, it was reported that he had written to Pope Francis, asking to be relieved of his responsibilities of the diocese.
Mulakkal denied the rape charges raised by the nun in the letter to the Pope. He also stated he was cooperating in the legal procedures.
Meanwhile, the protest in Kochi by a group of people, including nuns, seeking action against Bishop Mulakkal has entered the 11th day on Tuesday. On Monday, the sister of the victim nun began a hunger strike at the same venue.