The Jalandhar Bishop, Franco Mulakkal, who has been accused of rape by a nun, has stepped down and handed over his duties and responsibilities to fellow priests.
“In my absence, Msgr Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese as in the normal practice when I am away from the Diocese,” the Bishop said in a letter addressed to priests, nuns and brothers of the diocese.
The circular was issued on September 13, a day after the Kerala Police had asked him to appear before the investigating team on September 19.
ALSO READ: Rewari rape case: Army man among 3 accused, says police
The Bishop in his letter has thanked others for their support and requested them to pray for him and the alleged victim and her supporters.
Saturday marked the eighth day of protest by various Catholic reformation organizations seeking arrest of Bishop Mulakkal.
Meanwhile, the Bishop had dismissed the allegations as ‘baseless and concocted’.