Father Kuriakose Kattuthara, one of the few people in the church who has been vociferously speaking against Bishop Franco Mulakkal and has also given a statement to the police against him in the rape case of a nun was found dead in Jalandhar today, reports the News Minute.


The exact cause of his death is not known yet. According to media reports, Father Kuriakoses family suspects a conspiracy in his death.


Father Kuriakose had given a statement against Bishop Franco Mulakkal to the Kerala police in the rape case of a nun from Missionaries of Jesus. His brother, Jose Kattuthara, told Mathrubhumi news that he was suspicious about his brothers death, and alleged that he had been killed for giving a statement against Bishop Franco Mulakkal.  Father Kuriakose has maintained that he was constantly threatened by church officials for his support of the nun who has accused the bishop of rape


Bishop Franco Mulakkal was granted conditional bail on October 15 in the nun rape case. He had received a heros welcome when he returned to Jalandhar on October 17, with supporters showering rose petals on him.