Key witness in Kerala nun rape case found dead in Jalandhar

Father Kuriakose Kattuthara (62), a key witness in the Kerala nun rape case was found dead in Jalandhar, Punjab on Monday. The sexagenarian priest had recently given a statement against rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

He was found unconscious in his room in the church premises in Dasuya. He was taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead. Father Kattuthara had given his statement to the police in connection with the rape case of a nun from Missionaries of Jesus.

The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained. The police said that there were no injury marks on his body. "He used to stay at St Paul's Church in Dasuya. It was found that he had vomited on his bed. Blood pressure tablets were found at the spot. He was 62," said DSP Dasuya AR Sharma.

The family of the priest, however, suspects a conspiracy. Father Kattuthara's brother, Jose Kattuthara, alleged that he was killed for his statement against Bishop Mulakkal.

Bishop Mulakkal, who was recently released on bail from a Kerala jail, is facing allegations of repeatedly raping a nun of his own congregation.