Jalandhar Bishop quizzed, finally

Jalandhar, August 13

The Kerala police quizzed Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal in an alleged rape case late Monday evening amid high drama. The probe team found the Bishop “missing” as it reached his residence at about 3.15 pm.

His lawyer Mandeep S Sachdev, who visited Bishop’s House four times, refused to say anything but hinted his client had not received a police notice. He said they had not moved  court for anticipatory bail, putting to rest rumours on the Bishop’s likely arrest. The lawyer claimed 40 nuns had met the inquiry team at Bishop’s House and given statements in his favour.

A formal notice was issued to Bishop Mulakkal asking him to appear before the police team at  8 pm, it was later learnt. Top Kerala police officers reportedly put pressure on the Bishop to cooperate and appear before the probe team without delay. 

As the Bishop arrived in a convoy at 7.45 pm, his  guards and some supporters manhandled mediapersons from Kerala. The Kerala police team,  in Jalandhar since Friday last, also quizzed Father Antony and Jalandhar Diocese PRO Father Peter at the Police Lines. — TNS