Bhubaneswar: Lawyers representing a Catholic nun who was raped during anti-Christian riots in Orissa say there is a very good chance she will get justice.

“We believe the judiciary will do justice to the rape victim,” said Lan Singh Rongmei, a lawyer assisting the nun.

“We believe the witnesses are not feeling intimidated and seem confident giving their testimonies,” she said.

The trial of two of the nun’s suspected attackers began at the session court in Cuttack, near the state capital Bhubaneswar, on July 26 and is due to end tomorrow.

The case was moved from Kandhamal, where most of the violence took place, after the Church argued that it would be difficult to get a fair hearing there.

Thirty-three witnesses have been listed in the case and five have been summoned. Three witnesses have already testified.

Prosecutors told the court that the rape victim is too ill to attend the trial.

“The transfer of the case to Cuttack has helped the witnesses,” said lawyer Father Dibakar Parichha who is part of the team of advocates monitoring the case.

The prime witness, Father Thomas Chellan, has testified and identified two of the culprits, which otherwise would have been difficult, he said.

The 29-year-old nun was raped on Aug. 25, 2008, in Kandhamal district, a day after Hindu violence against Christians began.

Father Chellan was beaten and paraded half-naked in the street that same day.

Church people also expect another police line up on July 31 for the nun to identify the actual rapist.

Police have arrested 25 people so far. However, the nun has only identified two attackers and not the rapist.

Courtesy: UCAN