#ArrestBishopFranco: Kerala nuns transfer orders stands revoked

Kochi: Experiencing a small victory in their fight for justice, the Kerala nuns who recently received transfer orders will now not need to worry about being transferred and can continue to extend support to the 44-year old nun who has accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of raping her 13-times over two years.

The Mother Superior of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation who had initially issued the transfer orders has now sent a letter to the sisters revoking the transfer orders until the trial on the rape case.

Sr Alphy Pallasseril, Sr Anupama Kelamangalathuveliyil, Sr Josephine Villoonnickal and Sr Ancitta Urumbil, held an indefinite strike near the Kerala High Court premises in Kochi last year demanding the arrest of the rape-accused bishop for which they received the transfer orders.

Sr Anupama who has been vocal in her support to the victim has been asked orders to go back to Punjab, Sr Ancitta to Kannur, Kerala, Sr Alphy to Bihar and Sr Josephine to Jharkhand.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal is currently out on bail. He has been accused of raping a 44-year old nun 13-times between 2014 and 2016.

The Catholic Church has maintained a stoic silence on the accusations levelled by the nun and even did not extend any support to her. The Church however, continues to put a protective shield around the accused Bishop.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal is the first bishop accused of rape in India.