Rape-accused bishop Franco Mulakkal walks out of jail, to fly to Jalandhar
KOTTAYAM: Three weeks after Bishop Franco Mulakkal, was arrested for allegedly raping a nun, he was released from Pala sub-jail on Tuesday. Although the High Court had granted him a conditional bail on Monday, there was a delay in producing the order at the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Pala after completing the procedures on Monday.
of the Pala sub-jail on Tuesday after the
High Court granted him conditional
bail | Vishnu Prathap
Mulakkal was arrested on September 21 on charges of raping a nun at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploiting her on many occasions. Mulakkal, who pleaded not guilty, was granted bail on his second attempt. In his petition, he claimed he was kept in police remand for almost 30 days and had cooperated with the investigation proceedings as well.
However, his initial bail application was rejected by the court, based on the prosecution’s advice that releasing the bishop would result in subverting the case by influencing the witnesses.
Besides, the police also opposed the bail application, saying the investigation was still proceeding in the case.
While granting bail, the court directed Mulakkal to surrender his passport and not to enter Kerala except for appearing before the probe officer once every two weeks. The condition will be applicable till a chargesheet is filed.
A large number of people, including his supporters and independent MLA P C George, greeted the 54-year-old clergyman as he came out of the jail. A prayer meeting was held in front of the jail in anticipation of his release.
After release, he declined to interact with the media. Sources said he left for Jalandhar by air later in the day.