Kerala nuns sit on indefinite fast to ensure state acts against rape-accused bishop

A group of Catholic nuns on Sunday opposed a Crime Branch probe into a case where a bishop allegedly sexually abused a nun.

"We have heard that a Crime Branch probe is being planned. This is only meant to delay the proceedings. We are happy with the present police probe. The higher officials do not want us to get justice," a group member told the media.

On Saturday, the nuns attached to a Catholic convent near Kottayam to which the alleged victim also belonged, started an indefinite fast programme organised by the Joint Christian Council in Kochi to pressurise the state government to act against the accused, Bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar.

The protest was called due to the fact that since the case was registered 75 days ago, the police have taken 12 statements from the victim while only one from the accused bishop.

Meanwhile, an independent MLA from Kerala PC George has passed on a controversial remark against the victim. According to a news agency ANI, he said, “No one has a doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?”

Several politicians and the civil society have come out castigating George for his comments.

Kerala Police Chief Loknath Behra has dismissed claims of a Crime Branch probe.

"I am yet to review the case as it is being handled by the Inspector General (IG) of Police. The IG is happy with the progress in the investigation," Behra told the media on Sunday.

Sources closed to the victim said that a press conference which she was slated to address has been cancelled and will now directly approach the Kerala High Court seeking justice.

In June, the victim alleged that Mulakkal sexually abused her several times between 2014 to 2016. In July, the nun had lodged a rape and sexual assault complaint against a bishop based in Jalandhar, Punjab. The bishop reportedly used to often visit Kerala for official work, during which he allegedly raped her on several occasions.

An FIR was registered against the bishop and a 114-page detailed statement was taken from the nun and other inmates of the convent.

However, Mulakkal has denied any wrongdoing.

With inputs from NH Web Desk