Nun gang rape case: Top Cardinal says culprits must be brought to justice

Catholic Bishop's Conference of India president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis on Wednesday said the culprits behind the gang rape of an elderly nun in West Bengal's Nadia district must be brought to justice.

"I, being the President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of India, would like to assure our reverend sisters here that the whole church in India, the whole community is with them and also we would like to ensure that justice is done and justice brought to the people who are affected," said Cardinal Baselios Cleemis.

Cardinal Cleemis said he would like to thank the public of the country who showed their sympathy and their sentiments of togetherness at this point of time.

"The Catholic Church's commitment will continue with more fervour and commitment and we are not stopped by such events and such violations. We would also like to thank the public of this place and the public of the entire country who are showing their sympathy and their sentiments of togetherness at this point of time," he added.

The National Human Rights Commission had earlier in the day issued a notice to the West Bengal government over the shocking incident.

Observing that the reports of the incident, if true, amounted to serious violation of human rights of the victim, the commission issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, West Bengal, calling for reports in the matter within two weeks.

On Saturday, around a dozen suspected dacoits entered the Convent of Jesus and Mary. The victim along with another nun tried to thwart the robbery attempt on the premises of the Convent.

However, the dacoits tied up the other nun and raped the victim in front of her. They also made away with Rs 10-12 lakh in cash.

Eight people have been detained in connection with the case after police officials released CCTV footage of the perpetrators.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assuring a thorough inquiry into the matter, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for a report.