Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 17: "The post mortem report has said that the death of Fr Mukalel, priest of Kadaba Kutruppady church, had been caused by natural causes. The doctors have certified that his death was not caused due to poisoning, physical assault or stabbing. The report has pointed out to the possibility that the death of the priest was caused by cardiac arrest," said Dakshina Kannada district superintendent of police (SP), Dr Subrahmanyeshwar Rao.

Fr James Mukalel had taken part in a funeral at Charmadi on July 29 this year. After having dinner at a convent in Charmadi, he had left for Kadaba that night. However, his nude body was found lying in a deserted road at Totattady Kundadi the next morning. It is not yet clear as to why the priest had chosen to visit this place instead of going to his church, late night on July 29 and why he was found to be stripped of his clothes.

The superintendent of police said that there is information that post mortem was also conducted at Kannur, Kerala, but asserted that the post mortem if any that is conducted at Kannur is not legally binding. Important organs of the body had been sent by the policemen for examination. The report prepared by subjecting other body parts to medical tests, can not be clear or conclusive. Moreover, post mortem can be conducted at Kannur, only if the crime or death had happened there, the SP explained.