The autopsy of Father Kuriakose Kattuthara has been conducted under the supervision of four doctors and recorded with a video camera to ensure a clean report, confirmed Jose Kattuthara, brother of the late priest, on Tuesday.
A witness who testified against Bishop Franco Mulakkal in the Kerala nun rape case, Fr. Kuriakose who was serving in the St. Mary church in Dasuya, was found lying on the floor of his room on Monday morning. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.
Alleging that the circumstances of his death were suspicious, Farther Kuriakose’s brother Jose Kattuthara filed a complaint with the Cherthala police to allow the autopsy of Fr Kuriakose to be performed in Kerala, stating that they did not have trust in the Punjab cops. However, since tight security measures were put in place to avoid malpractice during the procedure, Fr Kuriakose's family was convinced and allowed the autopsy to be conducted in Punjab itself.
“The procedure is being performed in Civil Hospital Dasuya. Some of Fr Kuriakose's cousins and I are present here. Four doctors, who have been in government service for several years, were present to supervise the procedure. It is also being recorded. If there is anything suspicious about the autopsy, we will conduct the autopsy again in Kerala," Jose Kattuthara told TNM.
Following the autopsy, Fr Kuriakose's body will be taken back to Alappuzha, where his funeral will be performed. His family have also filed a complaint with the Punjab police, stating that he was subjected to mental, physical harassment and threats by Bishop Franco’s men.
Speaking to TNM, Jose Kattuthara had earlier said that in his final call with Fr Kuriakose three days ago, the latter had asked him to pray for his life as he was under a lot of pressure after giving his statement against Bishop Franco to the investigating offciers.
“He had said that, if Bishop Franco got bail, he (Fr Kuriakose) would surely die,” Elsamma, wife of Jose Kattuthara told TNM.
Jose Kattuthara had also confirmed that Fr Kuriakose’s house and car had earlier been attacked with stones by a mob in Punjab. Sister Anupama, who led the protests to arrest Bishop Franco in the nun rape case also said that a lot of fingers had been pointed at Fr Kuriakose after he testified against Bishop Franco.