Kerala nun accuses Bishop Mulakkal, supporters of 'harassment'

The nun, who filed a rape case against former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has moved the National and State Women’s Commissions besides the National Human Rights Commission, accusing the priest and his supporters of “harassing” her through various online platforms.

Pleading for “serious action” against Mulakal the complaint said, “The videos are intended to disrespect, abuse, intimidate and influence the witness, victim and the investigation team.”  She also said that Mulakkal’s actions were in violation of the bail conditions laid down by the Kerala High Court.

According to reports, the nun and her fellow inmates have been subjected to the vilest forms of character assassination. False statements, imputations and fabricated stories tarnishing our reputation and character are being systematically spread through the YouTube channel, and we believe Bishop Franco and his group are behind this agenda,” she told PTI.

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Franco Mulakkal was arrested in 2018 following a complaint by Sister Lucy Kalappura that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by the bishop at the Kuravilangad convent between 2014 and 2016. A formal complaint was also registered against him after which he was arrested and later released on bail.

In August 2018, Sister Lucy Kalappura, was given a notice by the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) in Kerala for filing a police complaint against the unlawful confinement of the nuns at the convent. Thereafter, the FCC demanded the nun withdraw her complaint. She was also asked to leave the premises of the congregation. Lucy, however, continues to stay in the convent.

Meanwhile,  Mulakkal, against whom there are eight pending cases, has been summoned by a Kerala court on November 1.

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