#NunRapeCase: Kerala HC rejects Bishop Mulakkal's bail plea
What's the story
The Kerala High Court today dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case, if he is granted bail. Here's more.
Details
Why rejected? Court noted more statements have to be recorded
Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the Magistrate, under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case.
Rape allegation
Backstory: Nun alleged that Mulakkal raped her on several occasions
Mulakkal had moved the HC after a Magistrate Court in Pala had rejected his bail application. He's currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district, Kerala. In her complaint to Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions.