Kottayam: The Kottayam Additional Sections District Court today dismissed the plea of Bishop Franco Mulakkal’s discharge petition in the nun rape case. The court said that Franco must face a trial in the case. The court stated that the provisions of the charge sheet will remain. Bishop Franco filed a petition demanding the acquittal of the case without a trial.
Franco’s lawyer argued in court that there was no evidence against him and that the case was fabricated. However, the prosecution argued that there is all evidence to prove the case and, it was registered and the investigation was completed. Also, the charge sheet was filed based on evidence. The court dismissed Franco’s plea in support of this argument.
Franco urged the court to stop the media from reporting on trial proceedings. However, the court said that there was a need to hear the matter and the matter could be heard on March 24. Meanwhile, the bishop may approach the High Court challenging the dismissal petition.
