Mortal remains of Father Kattuthara brought to Jalandhar church

The mortal remains of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara has been brought to a church at Jalandhar Cantonment in Punjab.

On Wednesday, the mortal remains of Father Kattuthara, who was one of the witnesses in the alleged Kerala nun rape case against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, will be taken to Kerala on via New Delhi.

The prelate was found dead inside his room at a convent in Hoshiarpur district's Dasuya in Punjab on October 22.

Punjab Police earlier in the day said that the case is being dealt with under the relevant section of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Station House Officer (SHO) Jagdish Raj told media that the statement of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara's brother has been recorded.

"His (Father Kuriakose Kattuthara) brother's statement has been recorded. The case is being dealt with under 174 CrPc. After the postmortem, the body will be given to the family," Raj said.

However, Josh Kurian, brother of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, who was found dead yesterday, said he has no faith in Punjab Police. Speaking to media, the brother said, "I want to bring the body to Alappuzha and bury it. If they want to do postmortem without letting us know, is there any guarantee that it will be done without foul play?"

The brother of the Kerala nun, who had accused Bishop Mulakkal of rape, alleged that the sudden death of Father Kattuthara was a "pre-planned murder". Speaking to ANI, the nun's brother demanded a thorough investigation into the death of Father Kattuthara.

Bishop Mulakkal was released from Kottayam jail on October 16, a day after being granted conditional bail. He is facing allegations of repeatedly raping a nun of his own congregation, a charge that he denies.