New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed distress and anguish at a brutal attack on a Catholic nun in central India. The incident reportedly occurred on June 19.
According to a press release signed by CBCI secretary general Archbishop Albert D'Souza of Agra, the bishops are "deeply distressed to learn of the sad news" of attack on a 47-year old nun and viewed the attack as "very seriously". They urged the Central and state government to act swiftly to book the culprits.
The 47-year-old nun belongs to the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate congregation that manages a nursing center, Krist Sahaya Kendra (Christ help center) at Mowa, a suburb of Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh state.
The nun, a qualified nurse, was in the Nursing Home together with two other girls. She was found early morning, gagged and tied to the bed after being brutally attacked and molested, the bishop's statement said. The nun lived with three aides at the infirmary and provided primary treatment to children and those who suffer minor injuries.
The police were immediately informed and they rushed the nun to the nearest government hospital.
"Such incidents of violence on minorities and especially on women tarnish the image of our country in the international community, besides posing serious questions as to how far the minorities are safe and secure today in India," the statement further read.
A 74-year-old nun was gangraped in West Bengal state in March this year. The main accused was arrested only a week ago.
