Abhaya murder case: Church censures virginity test on nun

Calling it a 'violation of fundamental rights', Church people in Kerala criticized police for conducting a virginity test on one of the accused in Sister Abhaya's murder case.

Sister Sephy, 45, is one the three prime accused in the 1992 murder case which sparkled a controversy. On November 18 the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sephy on charges of murder.

Following the investigation, the CBI conducted a virginity test on Sephy which according to the Catholic nun, was conducted without prior consent.

Says Father Paul Thelakat, spokesperson for the Syro-Malabar Church, the CBI's action was a clear violation of human rights. The Church is not demanding that Sister Sephy be treated as someone above the law, but that such a test cannot be conducted without a woman's consent. Moreover, he said the lack of hymen does not prove the lack of virginity.

He also said that, "A surgical intervention, which is not abnormal for a woman of Sister Sephy's age, can also result in losing the hymen. Therefore, a lack of it proves nothing."

Some of the nuns however differ in their views. UCA News quoted Sister Lentif saying, "If it is necessary for the investigation to conduct the virginity test to prove the crime, the accused nun, just like any other citizen, should undergo the test." Also adding,"Sister Sephy does not enjoy any special privilege."