Key witness in rape case against Franco alleges torture

In a further mysterious development in the rape case against former bishop of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal, a nun who is a key witness in the case has alleged that she was tortured by convent authorities. The Muvattupuzha police in the rural parts of Ernakulam district in Kerala registered a case against the convent authorities, including a mother superior, based on the statement of the nun.

Sister Lizi Vadakayil of the SC Convent at East Vazhapally in Muvattupuzha raised the fresh allegation. She is a key witness in the case against Franco as the nun who was allegedly sexually abused by Franco had conveyed about the harassment to Lizi earlier itself.

The fresh developments surfaced after sister Lizi's brother lodged a complaint with the Muvattupuzha police couple of days ago, alleging that Lizi was missing. Subsequently, Lizi was traced from the convent on Monday. She then gave a statement to the police that she was being tortured by the convent and church authorities by being transferred to Vijayawada. Since she felt uncomfortable at Vijayawada, she returned to Muvattupuzha and she was not even allowed to go out of the convent thereafter. Even when her mother fell ill, she was allowed to go only with some officials of the convent.

The Muvattupuzha police said that based on the statement of the nun, a case was registered against the convent authorities for illegal detention. Further steps would be taken after taking statements of the convent authorities and collecting evidence.

The nun was produced before a local court based on the missing complaint lodged by her brother. As per the wish of the nun, she was allowed to go with her brother.

Legal experts said that such vindictive actions by the church towards witnesses with the intention of sabotaging the probe into the case against Franco might boomerang against him during the trial.

Earlier, six nuns who took part in the stirs seeking action against Franco also alleged of vindictive actions from the church. While four were served transfer orders, explanations were sought from two others citing various reasons.

Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, who was a witness in the case was even found dead at Jalandhar last year. Another priest, father Augustine Vattoly, who took part in the stir, was also warned of action.