Murder accused brought to mission home, alleges Sister Anupama, says 'Father Nicholas tried intimidating them'

In a distressing allegation made against Father Nicholas Maniparambil, Sister Anupama has said that he brought a murder accused inside the mission home where the complainant and several nuns who have been supporting her are currently lodged. 

Sister Anupama has also notified the Kottayam police as well that last week, on 29th of September, Saji Mookkannur, an accused in the murder of Thomas on August 28, 2011, in Angamaly in Kerala was brought inside the Kuravilangad mission home, despite police security provided to the nuns. 

Saji was driving the car that Father Nicholas came to the convent in Kuravilangad and was introduced as a parishioner from Father Nicholas’ previous parish. 

Father Nicholas had, at first, expressed support to the protesting nuns and then did a total flip-flop, demanding that if the nun has any evidence against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, they should provide it, or else, not pursue the case at all.

Speaking to Republic TV, Sister Anupama said, ‘ Father Nicholas came to our convent and told us that we made a mistake by sitting on the protest and we should've avoided that. He also said complaining to the police was wrong. He try to put in our minds that we did a mistake by going against the church. He bought a driver with him & father Nicholas told he brought him from the old parish’.

READ | Asked To Keep Away From Church Duties After Taking Part In Protest Against Bishop: Nun

Even as Kottayam police, as per Kerala High Court orders, continue to provide protection to the complainant, Saji was brought in saying he was Fr Nicolas’ driver and attached with the church.

Sources have confirmed to Republic TV that Saji’s association with Father Nicholas dates back to several years and the senior priest had also presided over his wedding. 

Saji Mookkannur is an accused in the murder of Thomas alias Thommi from 2011 and in their charge sheet, police had accused Saji, who was a manager at poultry farm, of plotting the murder for over two months to settle the scores over a fight at a chicken stall.