Bail extended to ex-bishop and rape accused Franco Mulakkal as the trial of case begins

Franco Mulakkal, ex-bishop of Jalandhar diocese, who is accused of nun rape case, appeared before Kottayam ditional district sessions court for trial of case, 8 months after Police filing charge sheet in alleged rape case. Franco Mulakkal, former bishop of Jalandhar diocese was booked under 4 sections by Kuravilang Police of Kottayam in June 2018, under provisions including Section 342 (Punishment for wrongful confinement), Section 376 (2) (K) [being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, commits rape on such woman], Section 376 (C) (I) [(Sexual intercourse by a person in authority] and Section 377/506 (1) [Carnal Intercourse against order of nature with victim without consent and criminally intimidated victim by extending threat court].

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Mulakkal plea accepted; bail extended till next hearing

Mulakkal was arrested by Kerala Police in September 2018 after initial investigation and he got bail in October in same year after he approached higher court. He was under judicial remand of Kerala Police for 25 days. After 6 months of thorough investigation, including statements of 84 witnesses and examining scientific evidence, Vaikom Dy SP Subash filed a charge sheet which ran over for 2000 ps and actual trial of case was stalled by n. In October, Kottayam ditional district sessions court summoned ex-bishop for actual trial of case. It was supposed to begin on 11th of month, but was postponed since judge was t available for hearing and initial procedure of trial began on Saturday. counsel of victim nun pleed to conduct a day to day hearing to complete trial soon. Meanwhile, Mulakkal filed a plea to extend his bail until next hearing, which was accepted by court.

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