The nun was raped, only witness found dead

A witness in the trial of an Indian bishop accused of raping a nun has died.

This has prompted an investigation into his death. Kuriakose Katuthara was about 62 years old.

He died just weeks after giving his testimony in the case against Bishop Franco Mulkacal, who is accused of raping a nun.

Mukakcal, based in the state of Punjab, was charged with raping a nun during his visits to the state of Kerala in southern India. He denies accusations and is currently on parole, pending trial.

“Kattuhara died last night. We will investigate the circumstances of his death and become autopsy,”- A.R. said. Sharma, a senior police official in Punjab.

Katuthara was a priest in the village of Dasuya in Punjab. He was among the dozens of witnesses who were supposed to testify at the Mulacal trial in Kerala.

This is a rare case of a monk who publicly accuses a superior church of rape.

Mulakakal's arrest in September followed weeks of protests by nuns in Kerala, calling for his prosecution.

Last week, a local court in Kerala handed him bail. After his release, the bishop returned to Punjab to welcome him as a hero, with supporters cheering on his return home.