Indian bishop charged with repeatedly raping nun
Apr 9, 2019
Indian authorities have charged a Roman Catholic bishop with repeatedly raping a nun in her rural convent, a case that helped make the sexual abuse of nuns a public issue in the church
NEW DELHI — Indian authorities charged a Roman Catholic bishop on Tuesday with repeatedly raping a nun in her rural convent, a case that helped make the sexual abuse of nuns a major issue in the church.
Bishop Franco Mulakkal was charged with rape, illegal confinement and intimidation, said Hari Sankar, a district police chief in the southern state of Kerala, India's Catholic heartland.
The nun who made the accusations, who has not been publicly identified, said she went to police last year only after complaining repeatedly to church authorities. Eventually, a group of fellow nuns launched unprecedented public protests to demand Mulakkal's arrest. He was arrested but released after a few weeks.
Mulakkal was the official patron of the nun's community, the Missionaries of Jesus, and wielded immense influence over its budgets and job assignments. The nun said the rapes occurred between 2014 and 2016.
Mulakkal has denied the accusations, calling them "baseless and concocted" and saying the accusing nun was trying to pressure him to get a better job.
In February, Pope Francis for the first time publicly acknowledged the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane, Francis vowed to confront the problem. "Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it's a path that we have already begun," he said.
The Mulakkal case has split India's Catholic community, with many people defending the bishop.
In March, the founder of the Vatican's women's magazine, along with the magazine's all-female editorial board, quit their positions, saying a Vatican campaign to discredit them had increased since they denounced the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops.
MORE NEWS
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: India Beat Korea To Win Historic Recurve Archery Women's Team Gold
Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.
"Hit me so many times": New footage from flydubai flight shows bloodied Capt Machchhar whose heroics saved 180 lives
Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After being stabbed, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, thereby saving all passengers aboard. Police later identified the co-pilot as having undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and exhibiting suicidal tendencies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's actions as heroic and crucial to preventing a disaster.
Aaron Rodgers opens up on marriage with Brittani, shares 'biggest regret' about his relationship
With the end of his illustrious NFL journey in sight, Aaron Rodgers readies himself for a formidable challenge against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's troubles on the road, particularly in AFC North matchups on Thursdays, add to the tension. Their 150th clash brings the rivalry full circle. Meanwhile, Rodgers contemplates his personal life and the emotional ties to his wife, Brittani, shedding light on their shared history.
flydubai cockpit attack: Saudi Arabia hands over co-pilot to UAE as investigators probe midair stabbing incident
Saudi Arabia has handed over the Omani flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing Captain Smit Machchhar and attempting to crash Flight FZ1073 to the UAE. The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk after plunging thousands of feet. Investigators are probing the motive, possible terrorism links and an alleged Iran connection as Netanyahu and Trump weigh in.
India beat world champions South Korea to win maiden Asian Games recurve gold
India's women's recurve archery team secured its first Asian Games gold by defeating South Korea in the final. The Indian team included Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma, and Kumkum Mohod, showcasing exceptional skill during the match. After the first two sets ended in a tie, India took the lead in the third set. The final set also ended in a tie, confirming India’s victory.
Asian Games 2026: India Win Historic Gold Medal In Women's Team Recurve Archery
India's day has started with a historic gold medal in women's team recurve archery.
Brazil land in Kolkata for much-anticipated India friendly at Salt Lake Stadium
Brazil's national football team has arrived in Kolkata for an upcoming friendly match against India. The match is scheduled to take place at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, marking a significant event in Indian football history. Advanced security arrangements are being implemented to prevent issues such as ticket black marketing. The West Bengal government is also upgrading infrastructure, aiming for a World Cup-like experience.
Putin praises Modi’s ‘good ideas’ for peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict
Vladimir Putin acknowledged Narendra Modi's commitment to ending the Ukraine conflict and praised his ideas for resolution. Modi has maintained a humanitarian stance while advocating for dialogue to achieve peace. The Russian President expressed gratitude for Modi's ongoing support to resolve the situation. Both leaders have discussed enhanced cooperation in various sectors during their recent meetings. Modi indicated India's willingness to aid in meaningful peace efforts between the involved parties.
Putin praises Modi’s ‘good ideas’ for peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict
Vladimir Putin acknowledged Narendra Modi's commitment to ending the Ukraine conflict and praised his ideas for resolution. Modi has maintained a humanitarian stance while advocating for dialogue to achieve peace. The Russian President expressed gratitude for Modi's ongoing support to resolve the situation. Both leaders have discussed enhanced cooperation in various sectors during their recent meetings. Modi indicated India's willingness to aid in meaningful peace efforts between the involved parties.
G20 trade ministers deadlock on excess capacity, forced labour as US seeks tougher rules
G20 trade ministers met in Milwaukee but failed to reach an agreement on overproduction of goods. The Trump administration accused various countries, especially China, of flooding markets, affecting competition. Tensions between the US and Canada escalated after new tariffs were imposed, raising concerns about trade relations. Discussions on forced labor also did not lead to a consensus among the participating countries.