Kerala: After Being Accused Of Rape By Multiple Women, Bishop Franco Mulakkal Finally Steps Down

In the midst of heavy protest, Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused in the kerala Nun rape case has stepped down and handed over the charge of his diocese to a senior priest reports Mathrubhumi. It was reported a week back that three more women had come forward to level sexual abuse charges against the Bishop.

Announcing his relief from the administrative charges through a circular, he appealed the followers to continue to pray for him and the victim and her supporters who are protesting against him. “Let divine intervention bring change in their hearts and let the truth be revealed” he added.

The circular comes a day after the police had summoned the Bishop. Earlier on 13 September a decision to summon the accused Bishop was taken in a meeting chaired by Inspector General (Eranakulam range) owing to the mounting public outrage and pressure both from within and out of the state.

The nun had also in a letter sought the intervention of Pope in the issue. There had been reports that the office of Vatican would soon intervene to settle the matter. The nun had earlier sought to know why the Bishop has not been arrested despite sufficient evidence. She also slammed the church for not taking a stand on the matter.