Image Source : PTI Kottayam: Rape accused Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal released on bail, in Kottayam on Tuesday

The brother of the nun, allegedly raped by Bishop Franco Mulakkal, on Thursday criticised the ‘grand’ welcome accorded to the accused priest by the Diocese of Jalandhar. Mulakkal was given a warm reception in Jalandhar as he returned from Kerala after getting bail in a rape case.

Alleged victim's brother slammed the church's response to the matter saying, "Court granted him bail, won't say anything on that but he isn't innocent. The way he was welcomed in Jalandhar, I object against that," he told news agency ANI, adding that 'being a religious figure, he (Franco Mulakkal) should be ashamed of himself. He seems to be unapologetic'.

Mulakkal, who headed the Diocese of Jalandhar before stepping aside last month, has been accused of raping a nun. He remained in jail for over three weeks before getting conditional bail on October 15.

Mulakkal reached the Bishop House in Jalandhar around 5 pm on Wednesday where large number of his supporters, including nuns who out numbered others, and the current administrative Bishop, Agnelo Gracias, were present at the main entrance to welcome him, media reportes said.

Posters welcoming Mulakkal were put up around the Bishop House. The road leading to the Bishop House was jammed as hundreds lined the way raising slogans and reciting prayers in favour of Mulakkal and the Catholic Church, they said.

According to reports, supporters showered flower petals on his vehicle as it entered the Bishop House and even garlanded him when he alighted from it.

Mulakkal was lodged at the Pala jail after he was arrested on September 21 after questioning by the Crime Branch, Thrippunithura. He had stepped down from his post before leaving for Kerala to join investigation on September 19. He was granted bail on October 15 after applying for it the third time.

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