Rape-accused Jalandhar Bishop steps down ahead of probe

Tainted Bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Jalandhar Diocese on Saturday stepped down from his post.

The developments came a night after the Jalandhar Police received a summons for the Bishop in connection with an investigation in Kerala on September 19.

The Bishop is accused of raping a nun 30 times between 2014 and 2016.
Sources said the Bishop has stepped down temporarily in the wake of his appearance before the investigators.

Mathew Kokkandum has been appointed as administrator of the Diocese during his absence.

The Bishop, in his official communication to all Fathers, Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese, has said that the new administrator will look after the normal practice when he is away.

There are indications that he may be arrested after being questioned by the Kerala police next week.

The Bishop has also appointed Father Joseph Thekkumkattil as Dean of Tanda Deanery and Father Subin Thekkadathu as Parochial Vicar, St Mary’s Church, Tanda.

The Bishop has denied all allegations against him terming it a conspiracy.