KOTTAYAM: Bishop
Franco Mulakkal, who has been accused in a sexual abuse case by a Kerala
nun, will be appearing before the investigation team probing the case. The
Jalandhar Police on Friday had handed over the notice from
Kerala Police asking him to appear before the probe team on or before September 19.
Bishop Franco Mulakkal had issued a circular handing over charge of the administration of the Jalandhar Diocese to Fr Mathew Kokkandam on September 13. "In my absence Msgr Mathew Kokkandam will administer the diocese as it is normal practice," he said in the circular.
Read also: Rape accused Kerala bishop Franco Mulakkal hands over charge
He also thanked everyone for the continued support and prayers for him at the time of continued problems affecting the Episcopal Ministry. "I request you to continue to pray for me and for the alleged victim and her supporters who have come out against me so that divine intervention may bring about change of heart and the truth of the matter may be revealed. I leave everything into the hand of God as I await the result of the findings of the team probing the allegation,” he says in the letter.
Meanwhile, the probe team has charged a case against the Missionaries of Jesus congregation under the Jalandhar diocese, which released survivor’s photograph to the media on Friday. According to sources, the public relations officer of the body, who is a nun, will be asked to appear before the investigation team.
The probe team will also come to a final conclusion regarding the investigation before the
Bishop is interrogated, informed the
Kottayam SP.
File photo of Bishop Franco Mulakkal
