Kerala nun rape: Bishop Mulakkal's interrogation continues for second day
What's the story
A special investigation team, probing the rape case of a nun by a Roman Catholic bishop, today resumed his interrogation. Bishop Franco Mulakkal today appeared before the Kerala Police. The Jalandhar bishop of the Roman Catholic church, grilled by the SIT for seven hours yesterday, was asked to appear before the team again at the crime branch office in Thrippunithura at 11am. Here's more.
Details
Police says interrogation process likely to be completed by evening
Mulakkal had recently relinquished his administrative responsibilities as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese. Before resuming the interrogation, Kottayam Superintendent of Police, Hari Sankar, said about 50% of the questioning was over and the process is expected to be completed by today evening. The effort is to reach a conclusion after solving the contradictions in the statements, he said.
Statements
Police found contradictions in statements of the nun, accused, witnesses
The police had earlier said there were contradictions in the statements of the victim, witnesses, and the accused. When asked about the "contradictions" in the statements of the alleged victim, the witnesses, and Mulakkal, as claimed by the police earlier, Sankar had said yesterday, "That's the purpose of the interrogation. The interrogation is not over. We will reflect on it after it is over."
Information
Brief history of the case
The nun has accused the senior Catholic priest of sexually assaulting her repeatedly between 2014 and 2016. The clergyman has claimed allegations against him were a "cooked up story to wreak vengeance" for the actions taken by him on various complaints received against the nun.
Protest
Protest by nuns, catholic reform organizations reaches 13th day
Meanwhile, a protest by various Catholic reform organizations and a group of nuns seeking the Bishop's arrest entered its 13th day today. The agitation at Vanchi Square in Kochi is a spontaneous expression of outrage by these groups. A protesting nun said they all were waiting for the news of his arrest because it could send a strong message to those who abuse women.