On October 17, 2018, Bishop Franco Mulakkal was welcomed like a hero at Jalandhar after he was granted conditional bail by the Kerala High Court. The rape accused Bishop was showered with rose petals and also garlanded by his supporters as he reached the Bishop House around 5 pm.
Intelligence agencies warn that ISI-backed Khalistani groups trying to sabotage the assembly elections and use the opportunity to revive Khalistan terrorism.