Beltangady: Death of Fr James : Post Mortem Report says 'Cardiac Arrest'
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Aug 28: Surprisingly, the post mortem report on the death of Kutruppady church priest Fr James Mukalel (39) at Totattady near Beltangady on July 30, has attributed the cause of his death to cardiac arrest. The policemen seem to be doing everything within their command to close the case, by accepting the report at its face value.
It may be recalled, that the naked body of Fr Mukalel had been found lying on a mud road in Totattady in the early morning on July 30 by a family living close by. The representatives of Beltangady diocese had strongly pleaded for a thorough investigation into the cause of the death of the priest, suspecting foul play. They had also led a delegation to the inspector general of police (western range) here and secured his assurance that the policemen would leave no stone unturned in finding out the cause of the priest’s death.
The policemen had interrogated several people and had claimed that they had solved the mystery. They had informed, that they would reveal their findings upon receipt of the post mortem report.
Rumours had spread like wildfire after Fr Mukalel's lifeless body was found lying near his motor bike. Various theories were put forward by different quarters and the investigating officials kept mum, thereby fuelling the rumours further. It may be recalled, that the social director of the local diocese, Fr Thomas Kannankal, had stated immediately after finding the priest’s body, that this was a clear case of murder.
Many questions remain unanswered even now. Why had the priest strayed from his route back home and diverted his bike on a deserted mud road? He was already late, as he left Charmady convent after finishing dinner, after 9 pm the previous day. His motor bike looked like having been parked and fallen off due to loose mud. His gown, pants, undergarments etc., were found at different places near the site of his death. There is no response from the family of the priest, which had expressed lack of trust in the post mortem conducted in Mangalore and had got the test done again at Kozhikode. It is not yet clear, as to whether that report has been received or not. Moreover, why did it take so long for the team of doctors to conclude it to be a case of cardiac arrest? It may be recalled that the team of doctors had visited the spot of the death of the priest to look for themselves the actual situation there.
One expects to get replies to all the questions, to clear the doubts hovering in the minds of the people about the cause of the death of the priest and the lurking suspicion that the concerned have been trying to suppress the truth and give the case a decent burial.
Follow-up:
Beltangady: Death of Fr Mukalel: Mysterious Delay in receiving Post Mortem Report
Death of Fr James - Police Claim Success in Solving Mystery
Kannur: Fr James Mukalel's Family Wants Another Autopsy
Beltangady: Catholic Priest Murdered in Tottattady Village