The Diocese of Jalandhar is mired in another controversy after Father Antony Madasserry, allegedly a close associate of rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, was taken into police custody yesterday (29 March) following a raid on his residence-cum-office at Partapurra, Jalandhar, which uncovered Rs 10 crore of hawala money, reports The Tribune.

The raid was conducted by a police team from Khanna town. Partapurra, where the raid was conducted, serves as the generalate headquarters of the congregation ‘Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus’, whose founder is Bishop Franco. Father Antony holds the office of director-general of the congregation.

Apart from Father Antony, police have also detained five others, including a woman.

A number of enterprises including Navjeevan Charitable Society and Sahodaya (which works as a private security firm and also sells supplies to schools) and Shine Coachings are part of the network.

Father Antony is believed to be quite close to Bishop Franco, who is an accused in a rape case by nuns of the order. The former is believed to have stayed in Kerala for around three weeks while Bishop Franco was in judicial custody. The two returned to Jalandhar together and Bishop Franco personally thanked him in the first mass held following his return.

Also Read: Nun Who Campaigned Against Rape Accused Bishop Mulakkal Denied Money For Essential Goods, Medicines By Convent