Franco Mulakkal, 54, allegedly raped a nun multiple times during official visits to Kerala. He has denied the charges. (Photo: ANI)

In yet another twist in the Kerala nun rape case, a nun has alleged that efforts are being carried out to "sabotage" evidence and shield rape-accused bishop Franco Mulakkal.

Sister Anupama gave the statement after a local court in Pala, Kerala found irregularities in the copies of the cyber forensic report submitted in a DVD by the police and laboratory, reported The Times of India.

The nun, who is seeking justice for the victim allegedly raped by the former bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, suspected that Mulakkal was behind the efforts being made to tamper with evidence in the case.

Sister Anupama said she will file a complaint against the forensic lab if "real evidence" is not handed over to the police. "This is a bid to prolong the trial," Sister Anupama added.

The nun's statement came soon after the judicial first-class magistrate court in Pala ordered the investigating officer to produce a fresh copy of the cyber forensic report.

According to the report, the court issued the order after the magistrate, PA Sirajuddhin, found a mismatch in the contents of the copy submitted directly by the forensic lab earlier and the one submitted by police.

The magistrate made the assertion after watching the fresh DVD submitted by the police on Friday. As of now, the case has now been adjourned to August 9.

After the fresh development, the defence counsel has moved the court to direct the prosecution to furnish complete records related to the chargesheet in the case.

The nun, who was allegedly raped by Franco Mulakkal, filed a complaint with the Kottayam police on June 27, 2018. In her complaint, she accused Mulakkal of sexually abusing her between 2014 and 2016.

Mulakkal was initially arrested on September 21, 2018, but was granted bail just a month later in October.