Kerala nun rape: Witness found dead, family demands inquiry

The family of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, a priest who was a key witness in the alleged rape case against Bishop Franco Mulakkal and found dead in suspicious circumstances on Monday, has filed a complaint with the Alappuzha police seeking a detailed inquiry into his death.

The cause of Father Kattuthara's death is yet to be ascertained.

"Father Kattuthara used to stay in a church in Dasuya. He was 62. The Father was taken to a hospital where he was later declared dead. I have been told that there were no marks on his body and he vomited on the bed. They have also found a blood pressure tablet. He was not provided security. Now we will do a post-mortem," Dasuya's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), AR Sharma told ANI.

 

Bishop Mulakkal, who recently came out on bail from a Kerala jail, is facing allegations of repeatedly raping a nun of his own congregation, a charge that he denies.

The allegations against the senior catholic priest whipped up a storm, polarising the church hierarchy with several priests speaking against Bishop Mulakkal.