Mystery shrouds Parish priest's murder

Fr James was serving in Thotatthady three years ago and was later transferred to nearby Kalenja Parish. According to the police, Fr James had visited Charmadi village (where he served earlier) on Wednesday to attend the funeral of a certain Thomas Mathai.
Later, he visited a couple of houses in the vicinity, had dinner at the convent in Charmadi and left for Kutrupady on his bike around 9.30 pm.  However, Fr James was found dead at Kundadi around 7 am on Thursday.

Locals told police that there were no clothes on the priest’s body. There were no injury marks on his body and his bike was found a little away from the spot where he was found lying.

The body has been sent for post mortem to Mangalore. The funeral is expected to take place at his native in Kannur on Friday.

A native of Kannur in Kerala, Fr James had opted to serve in Beltangady diocese.
He served at Belthangady and Puttur parishes.

Police have registered a case. Further investigations are on.