Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mysore (Agenzia Fides) - A Catholic priest was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a parish of Mysore diocese, in the state of Karnataka, in southwest India. The lifeless body of Fr. Raja Kannu, 56, was found hanging from a fan in the church premises where the priest lived, in Palaya, about 35 km from Mysore. The circumstances leading to his death are still unknown. The police are investigating the matter.
Mgr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and president of the Bishops' Council of Karnataka expressed to Fides "profound sadness for the tragic, unnatural death of Fr. Raja Kannu. As soon as I learned of the death, I phoned the Bishop expressing condolences and prayers. Being on retreat with the priests of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, I immediately announced the news, and we prayed for him and for the diocese of Mysore".
"I was told by the Bishop of Mysore, Mgr. Thomas Vazhapilly, that Fr. Raja Kannu was an active pastor, and much loved in the parish of Palaya, where he lived for only ten months". The news has shocked the community and the local faithful call on the authorities to look into the dynamics of the priest’s death. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/04/2016)
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