News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Archbishop-Oswald-Gracias-main_article_image.jpg
CC
World News

Church will appeal nun rape acquittals, says archbishop

by Aaron James

Cardinal Oswald Gracias is speaking after a judge in the state of Raipur found there wasn't enough evidence to convict Dinesh Dhurv, 19, and Jitendra Pathak, 25, of the attack in June 2015.

The nun was found tied and gagged at the missionary-run medical center shes works at in the city by colleagues.

At the time police said they did not think robbery was a motive for the attack, given that a significant amount of money was found after the attack.

This has led to reports the attackers targeted the nun because of her Christian faith. Advocacy charities have said attacks against believers by Hindu nationalist extremists have risen in India in recent years.

The archbishop also says Indian police failed to collect evidence properly, allowing the nun's attackers to escape justice.

According to Vatican Radio, Cardinal Oswald said: "This acquittal once again brings to our attention the problem of violence against women.

"It is a huge setback for all of us working for the rights and dignity of women, in particular victims of violence.

He also accused Indian police of having a "halfhearted attitude" to collecting evidence in the nun's rape case.

In March 2015, another nun in West Bengal was also raped by robbers.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate