CBI questions Archbishop in Sr Abhaya murder case

Kochi, Nov 24 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today questioned the Archbishop of a Catholic Archdiocese of Kottayam Mar Mathew Moolekkatt in connection with the alleged murder of Sister Abhaya.

The investigating team questioned the Archbishop for about two hours at its office here, sources said.

Later briefly speaking to newspersons, Mar Moolekkatt said ''I had been summoned by the CBI and aswered their questions.'' Without divulging more details, the prelate hoped that the investigation would conclude in a 'virtuous manner.' When asked whether the CBI was on the right track of investigation, he said ''How can I say that?'' The central investigating agency had arrested two priests, Fr Thomas Kottoor, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and Fr Jose Poothrukkayil, Principal of a college run by the Church, and a nun Sr Sephi on November 19 in connection with the alleged murder of the 21-year-old nun in 1992.

The body of Sr Abhaya was found in the well of the Pius Xth Convent in Kottayam.

The Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate had remanded them to CBI custody till December two.

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