KOCHI: Reports say the post-mortem of Fr Kuriakose Kattuthura, who had made a statement before the police against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, did not reveal any unnatural cause of death.
However, the Save Our Sisters (SOS) Action Council, which had launched protests seeking Franco’s arrest in the alleged rape of a nun, believes he died of mental pressure.
“Fr Kuriakose could not handle the harassment and mental torture at St Mary’s Church, Dasuya in Jalandhar. This might have eventually led to his death. Franco is to be blamed for putting Fr Kuriakose through such mental stress,” alleged Fr Augustine Vattoly, convenor, SOS Action Council.
The five nuns who had staged protests demanding Franco’s arrest are yet to recover from the shock of Kuriakose’s death. “He was a bold person who stood by us in our fight for justice. His death is definitely suspicious,” said Sr Anupama, one of the five nuns.
Sources said Fr Kuriakose was staying with one of Franco’s close aides. “It was clearly a trying experience for Fr Kuriakose, to have the person around, watching his every moment,” they said. Jose
“Franco had clear intentions to torture him.
Fr Kuriakose was always monitored by Franco’s right-hand man,” alleged Fr Vattoly. The five nuns who are living at the Kuravilangad convent with the victim and four other nuns had said they were not safe there.