Kochi: The sensational Kerala nun rape case has taken a new twist with several nuns in the State protesting in Kochi against the delay in arresting the accused Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulackal.

Five nuns from a convent in Kottayam hit the streets to show solidarity with the victim. The family members of the victim also participated in the protest.

"We are fighting for our sister. She has been denied justice by the Church, government and the police. We are ready to go to any extent for ensuring justice to our sister. Seventy four days have passed since the complaint was launched against Bishop Franco. The police had recorded her statements several times. But accused Bishop was interrogated only once," a nun said while addressing the protesters.

Protesting sisters said that the State government and police are not standing with them and they rely only on the court now.

The family of the victim will approach the high court on Monday claiming that attempts have been made to subvert the investigation.

In her complaint filed at Kuravilangad Police Station, the victim had alleged that she had received death threats from unknown people two months ago. In her complaint, the nun accused Jalandhar Bishop Franco of raping her multiple times between 2014 and 2016.

Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) has also made U-turn against the bishop.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Bishop Franco is planning to participate in the synod of bishops in Rome. However, DYSP K Subhash said that the bishop could not leave the country since the investigation is ongoing.

The family members of the victim have also said that the bishop may leave the country using his high influence.

KCYM Ernakulam Angamaly diocese committee has demanded the arrest of Bishop Franco. The investigation team is still taking statements from the victim and accused again and again without arresting the accused.

Angamaly diocese vice president Hilda Sebastian told the media that the Bishop should be punished according to the Indian Penal Code.

“There should not be any attempt to settle the case. If anyone had hidden the complaint, it is a disgrace to the church,” Sebastian said.