Bishop Franco's acquittal: Appeal filing process should be expedited, DGP writes to AG

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The DGP has written to the Advocate General asking him to expedite the process of filing appeal against the acquittal of Bishop Franco Mulakkal in the nun abuse case. The letter states that the government has given permission to appeal the case and despite all the evidence, the trial court acquitted Bishop. The DGP's letter also said that the legal advice received by the police was that an appeal could be filed.

The Kottayam Additional District Sessions Court acquitted Bishop Franco Mulakkal on January 14 in the nun abuse case. The bishop was acquitted after all seven charges against him were dropped. The main argument of the prosecution in the court was that a nun of Kuravilangad Convent was raped by Franco with his authority as a bishop and she did this continuously from 2014 to 16. Other allegations were that the victim was detained and subjected to unnatural sexual abuse. But the court acquitted Bishop Franco, saying the prosecution had failed to prove any of this.