Kerala police files FIR against the missionaries of Jesus under section 228 A for releasing the photo of the victim nun

The Missionaries of Jesus Congregation has flouted the law of SC by releasing a photograph of the nun who has leveled charges of rape against the Bishop James Franco Mulakkal, the bishop of Jalandhar. A case has been registered at the Kurivialangad, Kottayam police station under section 228A. 

"We are giving a complaint to the police and demand to take legal action. They are trying to emotionally threaten the complainant. We will proceed with this case no matter what", said the younger brother of the victim nun.

In a press release, the congregation revealed the identity of the victim by releasing a photograph of her sitting with Bishop James Franco, who is the accused. The photograph is said to be taken on 23rd May 2015 where other members of the congregation were also present.

The statement says that the 5 nuns along with 4 others from outside have conspired against the Bishop. They have also alleged tampering of evidence by saying that the visitors' diary has been tampered by the nun and her companion nuns, The statement claimed that the rape didn't happen at all.

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"The CCTV control is in a common place and the log book was handed over to the new mother superior in 2017. The log was entered by a nun was isn't even part of the congregation", said the victim's sister. 

The missionaries of Jesus also added that the findings of their internal enquiry committee report will soon be submitted to the Kerala police officials who are investigating the matter.

The nun's younger brother filed a complaint at the Kottayam PS limit under section 228A for publishing the victim's photograph. Sandhya Raju, the counsel who is appearing on behalf of the nun in the case will also move to the Kerala court on this matter very soon.

The CJ bench of the Kerala HC during last hearing observed that the investigation, in this case, was going on in a fair and professional manner. So far the investigation has crossed 5 states and 7 districts in Kerala itself. 81 witnesses have been examined and many documents have been seized by the police. Round the clock protection has been provided to the victim & the family, with two policemen stationed outside the victim's convent at all times at Kerala.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 24th September. The police have summoned Jalandhar Bishop James Franco Mulakkal to join the investigation on 19th of this month at Kottayam district where the complaint was given.

READ | Kerala Nun Rape Case: Putting On An Air Of Nonchalantness, Rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal Steps Aside. Read His Letter Here