Kerala Nun Rape Case | 'The case is in favour of the victim,' say top police sources

Even as 85 days have passed since a complaint has filed against Bishop Franco Mulakkal in connection with the Kerala nun rape case, he is yet to be arrested. However, now top police sources, probing the case, have told Republic TV that they could've arrested the rape-accused Bishop in August itself, based on the statements recorded by the victim, however, the Bishop then would have got bail the very next day itself, since the other side wouldn't have been properly heard by the police by then.

The police sources have said that they have questioned 81 witnesses so far, 8 of whom are in Jalandhar, because of which it is getting very difficult for the police to ascertain the details as the contradictory statements are making the case more complex for the investigating officers.  However, they added that the case is in favour of the rape victim. They also said that even the court observed in favour of the police officials, stating it's a very difficult process to compile the evidences in such an old case.

READ | Kerala Nun Rape Case: August Police Probe Reveals 15 Contradictions Made By Rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal

The police sources have also confirmed to Republic TV that Bishop James Franco Mulakkal has already reached Kerala,but the matter is being kept a secret by his close aides to avoid media attention and also considering the safety of the Bishop in mind, since there is widespread anger against him.

Top police sources have also informed Republic TV that the Bishop will appear for the investigation on Wednesday morning at 10 am and that the interrogation will either happen at police club in Kottayam or at Vaikum Deputy SP's office, which is also the base office of the investigating officer DSP K Subash.

The police are also recording daily statements of the victim nun, who is staying at a convent in Kottayam district and the Bishop will be questioned based on the evidences the police have collected so far and also on the basis of the statements given by various witnesses.

READ | Kerala Nun Rape Case: Rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal Writes To Pope Francis Ahead Of Appearance In The Investigation And Seeks Permission To Step Aside From Duties

The top sources have also told Republic TV that the investigation might stretch from few hours to even few days, based on how the Bishop reacts to the probe and also his health condition.

Earlier in the day, the Kerala High Court adjourned the hearing of the bail plea of the accused Bishop September 25.