Day after burial, priest’s body goes missing

Father Mark had been closely associated with the Gumtala school over the past 40 years and villagers had wanted him buried at the school. The Jalandhar Diocese had objected and approached the court to stop villagers from taking possession of the body. But by the time the judge called for status quo last evening, the priest had already been buried with the consent of his England-based sister Anne Waikling.

The 74-year-old missionary, known to be fond of hunting, died on Tuesday after sustaining injuries in a blast while filling empty cartridges.

Charging the Jalandhar Diocese, school authorities said the grave had been dug up and body exhumed. Rev Dr Symphorian Keeprath, Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese, in turn, condemned the ‘‘alleged burial’’ in the school compound. The Bishop, however, said he was not aware of the ‘‘exhumation’’ but promised ‘‘strong action’’ against the culprits. Blaming the Punjab Christian Association for kicking up a row, he said a schoolground can’t be turned into a burial ground.

Yesterday, the tug of war between the locals and the Jalandhar Diocese had forced the administration to send the body to a hospital mortuary until Waikling arrived and villagers took over.