Following the mysterious death of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, a priest in Jalandhar diocese who had testified against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the protesting nuns told Onmanorama that they feared for their lives. "Franco wouldn't shy away from causing harm to those who stand in his way," said Sister Anupama who leads the protest against Bishop Franco Mulakkal for the alleged multiple rape of a nun. She said that the protesters had lost a key witness with the unexpected death of Fr Kuriakose Kattuthara, and said one of them could be the next victim.
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The nun, however, asserted that they would continue their fight no matter what. She was pained to see the grand reception accorded to Franco as he returned to Jalandhar from jail. She but made it clear that no amount of physical or psychological intimidation could stop the nuns from going the whole hog, till justice was served.
Franco's return and a sudden death
“It hasn't been long since Bishop Franco returned to his diocese. Soon enough we hear the news of the death of one of our key witnesses. That there is mystery behind Fr Kuriakose's death is obvious. Bishop Franco has always attempted to suppress the voices that were raised against him. We will offer all our support to the complaint that Fr Kattuthara's brother will soon file,” said Sister Anupama.
Expressing her grief in the unexpected demise of Fr Kuriakose, Sister Anupama said that the late priest was a huge source of moral and spiritual support. “In the initial phase, there was a time when we feared to approach the police with a complaint against Bishop Franco. It was in Fr Kuriakose that we found our first asylum. He listened carefully to our words and offered whole-hearted support to our cause. I did not expect him to come out in the open and make recorded statements against the Bishop. We are all depressed by his untimely demise,” she said.
'Even death will not deter us'
The nun said that she had already received several threats ever since the protest against Bishop Franco began and seemed highly alert to the consequences of taking on a powerful figure like Bishop Franco. “If this is the plight of a witness in our case, just imagine what awaits the complainants. Anyone of us could be the next victim. But nothing will kill our courage and perseverance. Let them come after us but deaths will not deter us. We have immense belief in our Constitution. We are certain about our ultimate victory,” Sister Anupama said.
Franco's show of strength
Responding to the news of grand welcome Bishop Franco received when he returned to his diocese in Jalandhar, Sister Anupama said that she was devastated to watch believers supporting the Bishop who is a sexual offender. “The Bishop is rich. He has power and money to arrange a grand reception for himself. What disappoints me is the love and support offered by the devotees to Bishop Franco Mulakkal,” she said.
The nun is also aware that churches had conducted rosaries and special prayer sessions for Bishop Franco. She said that no such show of support would weaken their determination. “We didn't voluntarily step out to protest against Bishop Franco. It was when he tried to implicate us in a defamation suit that a group of us took to streets in protest. So no display of massive public support for Bishop Franco can weaken our vigour. We started our strike with virtually no support. But now our cause has found wider public acceptance,” she said.
Worst fears come true
Recalling her association with late Fr Kuriakose Kattuthara, Sister Anupama said that she hails from his native parish and had been fortunate to share a long-term friendship with him. “He had made strenuous efforts to organize our diocese and recruit nuns including me,” she said.
Sister Anupama said that she was certain something dreadful would happen once Bishop Franco was granted bail. “We did anticipate something bad. But this was shocking. Our families, friends and relatives are all worried about Franco's next move," she said and added: “However, birth and death are not for us mere mortals to decide. To lead an equitable life and to fight against injustice is all that we could do with our life. We are privileged to do that.”