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Nun Who Claims Rape Says India Police Stood Idly

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2008

NEW DELHI - A Roman Catholic nun who accused a Hindu mob of raping her said Friday that she will not cooperate with local police, alleging that they stood by idly during the attack.

Hiding her head and face behind a scarf, the nun told reporters that she was raped after a mob attacked a Christian prayer hall on Aug. 25 in the eastern state of Orissa.

In her first public comments, the nun said a group of about 50 men tore off her clothes and raped her. Later, she said, she was paraded naked, together with a priest, past several policeman who refused to help her.

At the police station, officers tried to dissuade her from filing a complaint, she said. "I was raped and now I don't want to be victimized by Orissa police," she said, calling for a federal investigation.

Orissa police have been harshly criticized for waiting more than a month to begin investigating the attack and for taking steps only after the story appeared in news reports.

Police said they had been waiting for a medical report confirming a rape in order to begin their investigation. Police have since detained five men, though it was unclear whether they have been charged with a crime.

The Associated Press does not normally identify people who say they are the victims of sex crimes. The authorities did not provide her age or nationality.

The violence between Hindus and Christians followed the killing of a Hindu religious leader. Hindu groups blamed Christian residents and set fire to a Christian orphanage. Clashes left dozens dead.

The Associated Press

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