Kochi: Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal and the police have entered into an unholy alliance, which is preventing his arrest in the case related to the harassment of a nun, former judge B. Kemal Pasha has said.
Speaking at the venue of the agitation staged by Joint Christian Council (JCC), asha claimed that the bishop was not being subjected to medical examination due to this nexus. “The bishop has not moved a plea for anticipatory bail as part of this agreement with the police,” he alleged.
“The DGP had announced that the probe was in the final stage; but even then the arrest did not take place. This is unheard of,” said Pasha. He also demanded the immediate arrest and medical examination of the bishop.
Addressing the gathering, P T Thomas MLA alleged that the chief minister has double standards in the matter.
Former spokesperson of Syro-Malabar Church Fr Paul Thelakkat, extending his support to the agitating nuns, told that they were engaged in a fight for justice. “The society has an obligation to consider the gravity of the situation. The society as well as the country should stand by the victim,” he said.
Recalling the rape of five nuns back in 1990, Fr Thelakkat said the entire Christian populace in the country had taken to the streets against the shocking incident at that time. “However, many of those who were vocal at that time are surprisingly silent now,” he said.
Meanwhile, the indefinite stir staged by JCC entered the third day on Monday. Four of the five nuns who took part in the agitation on the first day were at the venue. Among those who arrived to extend support to the stir included director of the Department of Catechesis and Moral Education of Ernakulam-Angamaly diocese Fr Joyce Kaithakottil, environmental activist C R Neelakandan and KCYM activists.
An effigy of P C George MLA, who made comments humiliating the nun who filed the complaint, was burnt by the agitators.
A large number of local people flocked the venue, in addition to religious, cultural and political leaders. Members of other Christian organisations also came in support of the stir. JCC is now planning to extend the strike to other districts roping in believers.
