Bishop accused of nun’s rape arrested in Kerala

New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Indian police arrested Mgr Franco Mulakkal, the bishop accused of raping a nun from the Missionaries of Jesus.

Sources close to law enforcement in Kottayam (Kerala) said that the latter confirmed the bishop's arrest to the General Director of Prosecutions and that the bishop is set to appear before a magistrate in Pala.

The bishop’s relatives and lawyer have already been informed. The prelate will undergo a medical examination at the Vaikom hospital.

Bishop Mulakkal has been accused of raping a nun 13 times between 2014 and 2016, but he has always reiterated his innocence.

The prelate heads the Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab. A few days ago, he asked Pope Francis to be temporarily relieved of his duties so that he could go to Kerala to be heard.

Yesterday, the pontiff accepted his request and appointed Mgr Agnelo Rufino Gracias, of the Archdiocese of Bombay, as apostolic administrator.

• india
• kerala
• bishop
• rape
• arrest
• nun
• missionaries of jesus
• franco mulakkal