NEW DELHI – An Indian bishop accused by a nun of raping her was arrestedFriday, in a high-profile abuse case that had triggered angry protests byclergy over police inaction, Press Trust of India reported.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal was arrested on Friday evening, a day after PopeFrancis relieved him from duty over the scandal, according to PTI whoquoted local police official Vijay Sakhare.

The nun, who has not been named, first accused Mulakkal in late June ofraping her 13 times between 2014 and 2016.

But police in the southern state of Kerala, home to India’s largestChristian population, did not formally question him until September.

The lack of action provoked outrage, as five nuns — in a rare show ofdissent within the Indian Church — and dozens of supporters staged days ofprotests.

Pope Francis relieved Mulakkal from duty on Thursday and appointed anotherbishop in his stead.

Mulakkal, who has rejected the accusations, had written to the pontiffrequesting he be temporarily relieved of duties while the investigation wasunderway.

The alleged victim has also approached the Vatican representative in Indiato press her case.

Her letter, leaked to Indian media, said Mulakkal was “using political andmoney power to bury the case”.

Mulakkal has called the whole scandal a conspiracy by those against theChurch, and has won backing from his congregation at the Missionaries ofJesus Church.

In July, two priests were arrested for allegedly raping and blackmailing awoman for over 20 years in Kerala.

Sexual abuse by clergymen and the failure of senior Church officials totake action has been one of the biggest scandals facing the Catholic Churchin recent years in several countries. – APP/AFP