KOTTAYAM: There has been a move to handover the sexual abuse case against Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulackal to the crime branch. District police chief Harishankar has sought the opinion of Vaikom DySP K Subhash about handing over the case to crime branch. It has been hinted that DySP Subhash has no objection in handing over the case to the crime branch. Subhash said that a detailed report will be submitted within two days. The decision to handover the case to crime branch is amidst the protest of nuns in front of the high court. Five nuns of Kuruvilangad convent had started protesting against the delay in arresting Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulackal yesterday. 75 days have passed since the nun lodged a complaint against bishop.

Meantime, DGP Loknath Behra said that no decision has been taken to handover the case to crime branch. “The investigation is moving in the right path. Statements have to be taken from three more witnesses. Further action will be taken only after recording their statements”, he said.

However, the nuns have alleged that the police is handing over the case to crime branch to sabotage the case. “The DGP and IG are protecting the bishop. Attempts are being made to sabotage the case. We will approach the court against this. We trust the ongoing investigation. A situation should be arranged so that the investigation team can conduct the probe independently. We have doubts in the intervention of IG and DGP. We will file a complaint against P C George MLA who disgraced the nun”, said sister Anupama who led the protest of the nuns. The nun’s brother is also approaching the court against the delay in arresting the bishop.