Raipur: A 47-year-old nun was found semi-clad, unconscious with her hands tied inside a Church-managed medical center at Pandri in Raipur on Saturday.
Police said the nun first said she was raped, but later claimed it was attempt to rape. “Medical reports are yet to be received and the survivor is changing her statements,” inspector general of police GP Singh told The Times of India.
“The nun is in acute trauma and undergoing treatment. She said two masked men entered her room in search of cash and valuables and assaulted her after they failed to find their booty.”
The police have formed a team of two women constables to help the nun feel comfortable and narrate the incident coherently. Her medical reports will confirm if it was gang-rape, rape or attempt to rape, police said.
Police found 25,000 rupees in cash from a cupboard in her room, raising doubts if theft was the motive of the assault.
A forensic team inspected the infirmary campus and a dog squad was pressed into service. Police remained tight-lipped on detentions and neither confirmed nor denied leads in the case.
The survivor was initially taken to the Government Ambedkar Hospital. But she was later shifted to district hospital after media followed the survivor.
Chhattisgarh Christian Association president Arun Pannalal said, “It is a small medical center where four nuns reside. The incident is a matter of shame and role of fundamentalists cannot be ruled out.”
The nun provided primary treatment to children and those who suffer minor injuries.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has condemned the incident. “Firm action would be taken against those involved in the crime. Police are investigating the matter and the guilty will not be spared.”
Members of the Christian community led by priests staged protests at historic Jaistambh Chowk against the assault.