Kerala court gives clean chit to Bishop Franco Mullakal in nun rape case

A court in Kottayam on Friday freed bishop Franco Mullakal of all charges in the nun rape case.

The verdict absolving the former bishop of Jalandhar Diocese of all charges was pronounced by additional sessions judge G Gopakumar.

On his way out of the court, Mulakkal said, "Lord is supreme. Truth prevailed." Initial reports suggested lack of scientific evidence led to his acquittal.

Expressing his shock at the verdict, superintendent of police S Harishankar, who supervised the investigation, said the verdict is unbelievable. "We will definitely go for appeal. There are enough corroborative and circumstantial evidence. Wrong to say there are not enough evidences. We are really disappointed. We will go for appeal."

Public prosecutor Jithesh G Babu said, "We expected jail for the deposed bishop. The outcome is really shocking"

A heavy police force was seen deployed outside the Kottayam additional sessions court ahead of pronouncement of the verdict.