Kerala Nun rape case: Vatican relieves Bishop Franco Mulakkal of his duties in Diocese of Jalandhar

Under pressure to take a stand and act following sensational revelations me by a Kerala Nun against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, Pope Francis of Vatican has relieved Bishop of his duties in Diocese of Jalandhar.

investigation into alleged role of Franco began on September 19, and is presently underway. Prior to this, he h written a letter to Vatican seeking permission to step down. In his letter, Bishop Mulakkal has maintained his incence, writing, among or things:

• ' allegations against Bishop are s and painful to faithful'
• 'Bishop Mulakkal believes in triumph of truth'
• ' Bishop has written to Pope and expressed his desire to temporarily resign from ministration and has sought permission for same'
• 're have been indications from High Court with regard to his incence in allegations that have been levelled against him'
• 'Because he has to travel very often to Kerala, take part in investigations and matters related to case, he has expressed his desire to temporarily resign from post'
• 'This letter has been handed over to Vatican representative. Hoping for permission from Vatican at earliest'.

Earlier on Thursday, questioning of Franco Mulakkal in Kerala Nun rape case entered its second day. He was grilled for hours during his interrogation at crime branch office in Kochi on Wednesday. As per sources, bishop denied all  charges against him and remained elusive and vague during course of interrogation on first day of interrogation.  Police demanded brief answers from bishop for every question, however, he stated that he could t recollect his exact whereabouts

Prior to this, Republic TV h learnt that Kottayam police h recorded statement of senior priest Far James Aerthayil attached to Kanjirappally diocese of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), whose conversation with Sister Anupama h stirred up a hornet's nest.

Far James has reportedly confessed to investigation officer (IO) that he was trying to broker a deal between companion sisters (who are also witnesses in case), complainant nun and Jalandhar Diocese to drop charges against Bishop Franco Mulakkal.