Orissa rape victim nun to address media today

The Catholic nun who was raped and paraded naked by Hindu extremists during the communal violence against Christians in Orissa is to make a statement before media today after months of silence and seclusion.

The 29–year–old nun, an administrator with the Divyajyoti Pastoral Centre at K Nuagaon in Kandhamal district was allegedly raped and paraded naked on August 25 during the anti–Christian rioting in the Kandhamal district, following the murder of a Hindu VHP leader.

The barbarous incident shook the entire Christian community, the NGO organisations and political bigwigs, who condemned the heinous act, which transpired before the local police who turned a blind eye.

She said in her complaint that a mob of about 50 armed men attacked a house at K. Nuagaon village where she along with a priest, Father Thomas Chellantharayil, had taken shelter after their centre was attacked.

The mob dragged her and the priest and took them to the deserted office of an NGO where she was allegedly stripped and raped. The priest was doused with petrol and beaten up.

They also paraded her naked on the streets, she alleged, saying that the incident occurred in the presence of a dozen policemen.

Following the incident, the nun refused to believe and cooperate in the investigation, the police are still in the dark about her whereabouts.

“We have no clue on the whereabouts of the nun who left Orissa immediately after the incident,” a senior police officer said

Cuttack– Bhubaneswar Archbishop Raphael Cheenath when contacted said, “I don’t know where the nun is. I have not spoken to her for some time. I would like to speak to her.”

Cheenath urged the Supreme Court to direct the Orissa government to hand over the investigation to the CBI, as he was disappointed by the verdict.

Police have so far arrested nine persons in connection with the rape case and is soon to conduct an identification parade.

After obtaining a date from the court, the crime branch will request the nun to appear on the day to identify the culprits, a crime branch official told IANS.

"We have arrested nine people and as per legal provisions, a test identification parade is required. Since the nun is not coming forward despite our assurance of full protection, we will request for a date and will publicise that," the official said.

The violence on Christians since August 23, killed dozens and rendered thousands homeless. At least 400 churches were torched/razed in the state by radical Hindus.