The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday issued a notice to the West Bengal government, taking suo motu cognisance of reports that a 71-year-old nun was gang raped by inside a Convent in the state's Nadia district.
The commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, amount to serious violation of human rights of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for reports in the matter within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop's Conference president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis has arrived in Ranaghat, West Bengal to meet the nun.
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.
