KOTTAYAM: A priest who went missing from Ayarkunnam has been found dead in a well near the premises of the church. The body of Fr George Ettupara of St Thomas Church, Punnathara (Vellappally) in Ayarkunnam was found dead in the well.

He was reported missing from yesterday. Though a search was conducted by the locals and police, he was not found. The body was found in the well Monday morning.

The priest who went out after the Sunday mass, did not return late at night. The priest who was staying in a house adjacent to the church left without taking his car.

His mobile phone was in the silent mode and it was found from his room. His room was not locked. The CCTV cameras of the church were found turned off. The priest who was in the Gulf joined the church a few months back.