Franco Mulakkal appeal: Survivor starts crowdfunding for legal expenses

Pathanamthitta: The Kerala High Court will consider on March 22, 2027, the state government's appeal against former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was acquitted by a trial court in the case involving the rape of a nun. When the case came up for hearing, the prosecution sought more time, stating that it had not yet received the complete case documents. The case is being heard by a bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar.

Franco Mulakkal was acquitted by the Kottayam Additional Sessions Court on January 14, 2022. The state government filed an appeal against the acquittal in March 2022.

At the nun's request, advocate B.G. Harindranath was appointed as the Special Public Prosecutor. The survivor has also filed an appeal independently. Although Franco was acquitted in the case, the Vatican later removed him from the post of Jalandhar Bishop.

Those supporting the nun in pursuing the case have now launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money from the public to meet the legal expenses.

A joint bank account was opened in the official names of two nuns who are staying with the survivor at the Kuravilangad convent. The decision was taken after obtaining legal advice.

"I don't think survivors in such cases are aware that such a legal provision exists. That is why this decision was taken," the nun said.

Grandfather from Alappuzha

After reading an interview with the nun published in Mathrubhumi, a man from Alappuzha visited the convent a few months ago looking for the nuns and brought some money for them.

He has no wife or children. He had sold his property, deposited the money in a bank and was living in a single room at a lodge on rent.

The nuns were initially reluctant to accept the money. They told him, "Appachan's (grandfather's) love is enough."

However, he eventually insisted that they use the money to buy a sewing machine. Tailoring is now the nuns' main source of income.