State asked to probe Kerala nun’s torture allegations

The demanded also included a detailed inquiry into Church-run orphanages.

Sister Mary Sebastian

Kochi:  Two organizations of Catholics have urged the Kerala government to initiate action against persons against whom Mary Sebastian, a member of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) in Palai, has raised torture allegations.

K George Joseph, who heads the forum of ex-priests and nuns called Kerala Catholic Church Reformation Movement (KCRM), wanted a high-level inquiry against the Church authorities accused of torture.

A social work teacher in Palai diocese-run St John Nepumcian Higher Secondary School, Sr. Mary had alleged that she was physically and mentally tortured by her superiors, and that they tried to give her psychiatric medicines forcefully.

“I was fed up with the ill-treatment and harassment at the convent. I have been harassed for years for pointing fingers at the embezzlement of funds. I cannot bear this torture anymore,” she said according to a report in Indian Express news paper.

According to KCRM, incidence of nuns dying under suspicious circumstances is on the rise in the State, and that in most cases the investigation turns out to be an eyewash.

Another organization, Joint Christian Council has joined KSRM in supporing the nuns. Its state president Joseph Velavil said a representation had been submitted before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, explaining the various issues pertaining to the Church.

The Association leaders also demanded a detailed inquiry into functioning of the orphanages run by the Catholic Church.

Source: The New Indian Express