Kottayam, Jul 2 (TOI): A crisis has enveloped the Catholic Church in Kottayam following the disclosures made by a nun during a six-hour long marathon interrogation by police over her complaint of rape against a bishop.
On Sunday, the nun told the investigation team that she stands firmly by her complaint. Now, based on her statements recorded in 72 pages, police will have to interrogate the accused, bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Jalandhar diocese.
The crisis intensified after the nun reiterated that she had complained to several authorities in the church, including Cardinal George Alencherry. She said she had met the Cardinal and complained to him when he had come to Kuravilangad in 2017. She said that she was asked to present a written complaint which she had given to the cardinal in Kakkanad later. She was accompanied by her relatives when she met him the second time with the letter. She also presented copies of the letter to the investigating team.
The nun broke down a few times during the session but soon regained composure. She was well prepared for the interrogation as she had documented all the details and evidence. She provided the details of the 13 instances when she was allegedly abused by the accused during 2014-16. The team will also interrogate the other residents in the convent near Kuravilangad.
Police have already moved the chief judicial magistrate court in Kottayam to record the statement of the nun under Section 164 in the Criminal Procedure Code. The court will consider the application on Monday.
Bishop Mulakkal said he would proceed legally to fight the allegation.