Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal accused in Kerala nun rape case arrested by Kerala police, 87 days after complaint

The Kerala police on Friday held ex Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal who is accused in Kerala nun rape case arrested after the 87 days after a complaint a complaint of rape and sexual harassment was filed by the victim. The Kerala police arrested Bishop around 8 pm. Accused Mulakkal was shifted to the police club in Kottayam before being produced before the Magistrate court in Pala.

According to the complaint filed by the nun, she had alleged that Mulakkal raped her on 13 occasions over a period of 2 years between 2014 -16. However, the arrest of the high profile religious leader was speculated earlier, the arrest was confirmed by Kottayam SP Harishankar IPS in the evening that the arrest will be made only after final meeting with zonal IG.

After the brief discussion, with Zonal IG Vijay Sakhare, the investigation team confirmed the arrest will be recorded soon. Following the arrest, Mulakkal was taken to Thripunithura Taluk hospital for medical examination and later to Kottayam Police club. As reports of arrest emerged, protesters started celebrating outside the Kerala High Court.

The Kerala nun had later approached the Vatican for justice and demanded the bishop's removal as the head of the Jalandhar diocese. Accused Mulakkal had to step down after the matter was brought to the notice of the Vatican. The investigation took a massive turn after the Vatican stepped in the matter.