Jalandhar, July 30: An 11-minute audio tape, which is said to be a telephonic conversation between a priest and Sister Anupama who stands in support of the nun levelling allegations of sexual abuse against Bishop Franco Mulakkal has rattled the Jalandhar Diocese.
The audio, which appears to be an attempt to strike a compromise on the complaint, is said to be a conversation between Father James Ethayil of Kanjirappally Diocese and Sister Anupama, who is currently with the complainant in Kottayam.
The priest purportedly offers to buy 10 acres of land in Kottayam for building a convent where the complainant and her five supporting nuns could stay, in case they agreed to take back the complaint.
These five nuns, including Sister Anupama, are attached with the Missionaries of Jesus, Jalandhar, where the complainant nun had earlier served as Superior General.
As Sister Anupama asks as to who will build the convent, Father James allegedly replies that the Jalandhar Diocese will, but on the condition that the case is withdrawn. Sister Anupama rejects the offer but before she hangs up, she gets a word of caution.
Father Sebastian, cousin of the complainant nun, said, “This audio is a two-day-old recording of a telephonic call made by Father James Ethayil to Sister Anupama. She has given the audio to Viakom DSP K Subhash, who is the investigating officer in the case. We suspect the role of a priest from Father James’ congregation, who is putting up at Bishop House in Jalandhar.”
Kottayam district police chief Hari Sankar confirmed having received the audio. “Our team will be visiting Jalandhar by August 5 to interrogate Bishop Franco,” he said. The Jalandhar
Bishop Franco has been calling the case a “planned and malicious attempt” to tarnish his image.
Source Tribune India
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