NCW asks Kerala DGP to 'fairly' probe nun's death

The National Commission for Women has asked the Kerala police chief to "fairly" probe the death of a 55-year-old nun who was found inside a well of a convent in Kollam district.

Taking suo-motu cognisance, the commission has written to Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera, directing him to fairly investigate the incident and take appropriate action, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said.

He has also been directed to apprise the commission about the detailed action taken in the matter, Sharma added.

The body of Sister Susan, a teacher at St Stephens School attached to the Mount Tabor Dayara Convent, was found floating in the well at the sprawling compound on Sunday morning.

"Something is wrong with the state government where they are not doing anything. If they would have taken one step in the first case only, then such cases would not have increased," Sharma said, adding that she would be visiting the state again to take stock of the situation.

Earlier, the commission has also summoned state Independent MLA P C George for using abusive language against a nun who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a bishop.

In July, the nun filed a complaint, accusing Franco Mulakkal of raping her multiple times at a small town near Kottayam between 2014 and 2016.

The NCW chairperson had alleged the nun was facing discrimination after levelling the charges and was not getting support from the church.