Bishop, accused of raping nun, hands over charge as Vatican forms probe panel

Agencies
September 15, 2018

New Delhi, Sept 15: The Vatican, the highest seat of authority in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, has formed a one-member panel to probe the rape allegations against the Bishop of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal.

Sources told news agency that a church representative from India is in the Vatican to discuss the issue of a rape charge against the Bishop by a Kerala-based nun.

The development followed after the nun wrote to the Apostolic Nunciature- the representative of the Pope in India- describing the ordeal she allegedly went through at the hands of Bishop Mulakkal.

The reaction from the Holy See has come amidst Pope Francis ordering an investigation into the sexual misconduct by an American bishop Michael J. Bransfield who recently resigned from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. The pontiff, on Thursday, met the US Catholic church leaders to discuss the scandal that has sparked a furore over clergy abuse crisis.

Back home, Bishop Mulakkal, who has been summoned by the Kerala Police for questioning on September 19, informed that Monsignor Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese of Jalandhar in his absence.

In a written communication addressed to the members of the Diocese, Bishop Mulakkal announced that Father Joseph Thekkumkattil, Dean of Tanda Deanery and Father Subin Thekkedathu, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary's Church, Tanda will step in for the Bishop in addition to their present roles.

Bishop Mulakkal, in his letter, also requested members of the Diocese to pray for him, the victim and her supporters hoping that "divine intervention" will cause a "change of heart."

"As you have probably come to know from the media the investigation into the allegations raised against me there are several contradictions in the evidences collected against me as per the report of the police. It is reported that I am likely to be called for further clarifications by the investigating officer in Kerala. I request you to continue to pray for me and for the alleged victim and her supporters who have come out against me so that divine intervention may bring about a change of heart and the truth of the matter may be revealed. I leave everything into the hand of God as I await the result of the findings of the team probing the allegation," the letter read.

The nun from Kerala has accused the 54-year-old Bishop of raping her on several occasions between 2014 and 2016.

Comments

Fairman
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

This has been repeatedly happening by those who practice against the law of the nature.

The urge OR desire of the sex is natural phenominon. Not only human being, alos Every living creature is subject to it.

 

Therefore Islam persists every affordable mena and women to marry and multiply. Muslims have also priesets of different grades. But it never prevents any priest from marrying. 

If they dont marry, definitely the God knows, that the priests would be subject to take sideways to quench thier desire of sex illegally, by doing all mischieves to poor innocent women.

 

therefore study the religion which is true and scientific. Do not blindly follow what our ancestors have erred, wrongly taught and misguided us.

 

Every priest, nun should be allowed to marry and fulfil their sexual desire legally without harming illegally other women.

 

Islam has come as light with illumination to bring from dark for everyone. This is not just for Arabs or any particular sects. Islam's main preaching believe in one and only God and worship him, who has no associates, no family, no wives, no children, n oparents and partners. 

 

 

hello fools, who told india belong to hindus...the name itself give by arab muslim long back(selute me now)...1000 ys muslim ruled india and also they build and develope this country not like christens who stole and run to UK...only true nationalist is muslim then comes rest..you sitting in some forst place and think that you can die for this country fighting you are big fool, MUSLIM NOT SHOW OFF LIKE YOU DO.when time comes  we know how to protect our belovd country india..JAI HIND

Ibrahim
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

Short story

 

Once Bishop of Jalandhar, Franco Mulakkal went to watch the movie NUN, after getting information that nun (in the movie) is beautiful and the movie is scariest one.

After seeing Bishop of Jalandhar in theatre, the movie character nun got scared.

 

 

(the end)

Ramprasad
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

For all commentator, This the reason for calling India as secular country. We respect all religions

Very true. If we talk anything then they will absuse us. We are the true nationalist. We are the real Indians

Arsha Bharat
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

This is why we suggesting Hindu rashtra. India suitable for only Hindus. Ony Hindus are following Indian laws and court orders. For muslims and christian they are completely depending on some other countries or some other rubbish laws. They wanted to live in India and they cant follow our rules and laws fully. 

Naresh
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

Living in India, rule are laws are from different countries. Total injustice

Danish
 - 
Saturday, 15 Sep 2018

Why Kerala cop cant probe. They are making Indian laws institutions as rubber stamp

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 17,2025

melkar1.jpg

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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