Mulakkal harassed Kuriakose, alleges brother in complaint
MYSTERY DEATH Says the family may seek another postmortem in Kerala if the report is not satisfactory
BROTHER SAYS AFTER KURIAKOSE TESTIFIED AGAINST FRANCO MULAKKAL, HIS SALARY WAS REDUCED TO ₹500 AND HIS POSITIONS WITHDRAWN
with the report.
“I and my family members suspect that our brother’s death was not natural as he was under pressure and being tortured by Franco and his people,” Jose said.
“Father Kuriakose was the first priest who spoke against Delhi to Kerala on Wednesday afternoon.
Kuriakose was found dead in his room at St Mary’s Church here by his cook around 9 am on Monday.
“When we broke opened the door, we found father lying on his bed. We immediately took him to the civil hospital, where he was declared brought dead,” said Sister Lisabeth. “There was vomit in the room and some tablets were found near the bed,” she added.
‘HAD DIFFERENCES WITH EX-BISHOP’
Father James Chaco Ullatil, head priest at Dasuya church, said to create pressure on the police, the Kuriakose’s family was wrongly claiming that his salary was reduced to ₹500. “We don’t have any salary and get ₹5,000 as monthly stipend, besides free medical and travel facilities. Father Kuriokose was getting the same,” he said.
On any rift between Kuriakose and Franco, Ullatil said, “Father Kuriakose didn’t like the policies and working style of Franco.”
Ullatil said Kuriakose had been suffering from several ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problem. “On October 9, his (Kuriakose) sugar level was 500 mg/dl,” he said.