Nun found dead in Kerala convent, murder suspected

Palai (Matters India): A 69-year-old nun was found dead in mysterious circumstances inside a convent in Palai, a major Catholic center in Kerala, southern India.

Sisters in Lisieux Carmel Convent found Sister Amala Valummel dead in her room when they went searching for her as she had not turned up for morning Mass on September 17. The nuns belong to the Congregation of Mother Carmel, an indigenous congregation started by Saint Chavara Kuriakose Elias.

Kottayam Superintendent of Police Satish Benoy told reporters that the elderly nun had several head wounds. Police suspect that she was killed during robbery. A wound on the back of the head was caused by some heavy objects, he added.

The nuns informed the police that they found some 500 rupees missing from a nearby room.

The police brought its dog squad, who went from the murdered nuns’ room to a nearby building under construction. Finger print experts have lifted some marks from the convent’s back door.

Police are questioning some workers engaged in painting the convent building.

Sister Amala, who hails from Ramapuram, near Palai, was taking rest for the past few days because of fever. She went to the chapel only for receiving Holy Communion, the nuns said.

The victim was leading a retired life after serving the congregation’s Carmel Hospital in Palai for several years.

Sister Amala is the sister of Sister Lucine Mary, the congregation’s Palai provincial.