Out On Bail, Rape Accused Former Bishop Franco Gets Welcomed With Shower Of Petals In Jalandhar

As outrageous as it might sound, this has happened, Franco Mulakkal, the former Bishop of Jalandhar who was granted bail by the Kerala High Court came back to a hero’s welcome in his former diocese.?

He reached Jalandhar on Wednesday, two days after the court granted him conditional bail in the rape case filed by a nun of the Missionaries of Jesus Congregation in Jalandhar.

He reached the Bishop House in Jalandhar on Wednesday evening where a large number of his supporters, including nuns and the current administrative Bishop, Agnelo Gracias welcomed him.

As he reached the Bishop House, he was welcomed with loud cheers and slogans by his supporters who also showered him with rose petals.?

Later speaking to media the 54-year-old senior Catholic priest thanked people who supported him. "The prayers of the people of Punjab supported me. I believe that they will pray for me even in the days to come. I thank everyone. The investigation is underway and I am co-operating. I'm a law abiding citizen and I trust the legal system of the country".

He was granted bail by the court on conditions including non-entry in Kerala and surrendering his passport to the Kerala Police.

BCCL

This welcome of an alleged rape accused has once again raised some serious questions on the role of the church in such cases.

So far barring a few, the bishops and church bodies have rallied behind him and has discredited the complainant's account.?

Even the Missionaries of Jesus, the convent which the complainant belonged to had openly come out in support of Mulakkal and went on to paint the victim of having questionable character.