Kerala Nun Rape Case: Priest Who Spoke against Bishop Franco Mulakkal Found Dead In Jalandhar
Biahop Mulakkal who has been discharged of subjecting a nun to an unnatural sex on multiple occasions is currently on bail
Mumbai : A Catholic priest, who had given a statement against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, was found dead at Hoshiarpur district of Punjab on Monday. He was one of the important key witnesses of the rape case. Father Kuriakose Kattuthara (32) was found in an unconscious way by his assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dasuya sub-division. He took him to the hospital but was declared as dead.
The priest in Jalandhar bishopric and had given a statement against Mulakkal, who has been accused of raping a nun 13 times between 2014 and 2016. The late priest has also served as a vocational trainer in a convent belonging to the Missionaries of Jesus. He also came in support of other nuns who came against the Bishop.
Giving details, the priest said Bishop had vomited near his bed. There is no real cause known behind the death of the priest. However Father Kattuthara’s family apparent has received death threats from those in the church for speaking against Bishop.
Stating to Indian Express, the deceased priest’s brother Jose Kattuthara said, “I spoke to my brother last week over the phone when he told me that he was getting threats after Bishop Franco was granted bail in the rape case.”
“I have filed a complaint with the police, demanding a probe into the case,” he added. He also said that the police were aware about the warnings issued to the priest. He will be travelling to Punjab very soon.
As per the statement to ANI by AR Sharma from Dasuya Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) there were no marks or injuries were found on the dead priest’s body. The officer said, “He (Father Kuriakose) used to live at St. Paul’s Church in Dasuya. He was found dead there. He was 62. The matter will be investigated. I have been informed that no injuries have been found.”
The DSP added, “It was found that he had vomited over the bed. Blood pressure tablets were found at the spot. An investigation is underway. In our notice, no security was provided to him.”
Biahop Mulakkal who has been discharged of subjecting a nun to an unnatural sex on multiple occasions is currently on bail.
A group of people, the supporters and independent MLA P C George had addressed the 54-year-old preacher as he came out of the sub-jail at Pala last week. He was arrested for 25 days. While granting the bail the court has asked the bishop to leave the state within 25 hours of his release from the prison.
