Kochi, Jul 25 (IANS): A 65-year-old Catholic priest was found hanging in the church compound on Thursday, said police here.
The priest was identified as the Vicar of the Church- Fr Joseph Kuzhikannayil.
The body was first noticed by a local labourer, who came to the Vazhakulam St George Forane Church at Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district in the morning.
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The labourer immediately alerted the parish members and the local police.
The police barricaded the area. After an initial investigation, the police have registered a case of unnatural death.
As per the preliminary probe, the priest had been unwell for a while and was suspected to have taken his life out of despair.
The body was found hanging in a room near the kitchen in the church premises.
More details are awaited.