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Dubai: India’s National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma lashed out at Kerala MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) PC George, on Sunday.

Sharma called for strict action against George after he made a derogatory comment about the nun from Kerala, who had earlier accused Jalandhar Bishop, Franco Mulackal of sexually abusing her as many as 13 times.

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Indian Twitter users are furious at George, an independent MLA. The news agency, Asian News International (@ANI) tweeted George’s comment: “No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn’t she complain the first time?”

On Saturday, Kerala had witnessed an open protest by a group of nuns from Kuravilangad in the Kottayam district of Kerala.

They were demanding the arrest of the bishop of Jalandhar who is accused of raping their fellow nun.

The nuns joined the victim’s family members and the protest was held in front of the Kerala High Court in Kochi.

Strict action sought

NCW Chief Rekha Sharma demanded strict action against George and said: “I am ashamed of such lawmakers who are giving these statements instead of helping women.

NCW has already taken up the matter and we will write to DGP demanding strict action against him.”

Another lawmaker, Subhashini Ali was quoted by @ANI as saying: “Nuns showed courage in making such allegations against someone who is head of the organisation (Bishop). In such a situation for somebody who is a public figure to make this comment is horrible.”

@RahulEaswar tweeted: “Unfortunate and harsh comments from a senior and powerful leader and MLA on a nun. You can agree or disagree with her. But we have to respect her womanhood... Hopefully, PC George ... will tone down.”

Journalist @dhanyarajendran said this was not the first time George was shaming a victim.

She tweeted: “That nun and five of her friends have been battling the powerful church despite threats, intimidation, and offers of bribes. And then comes PC George, the man who always enters the scene to victim shame. He did the exact same in the actor assault case against Dileep.”

Hashtag #ArrestPCGeorge started trending in India as many took to Twitter to condemn George for his irresponsible comment.

Tweep @shakkiryaan: “PC barbarian George should be arrested for degrading the victim and hence disrespecting women. This thug needs harsh punishment, @CMOKerala @TheKeralaPolice #ArrestPCGeorge”

Some added that the nun’s abuse case highlighted a social issue that was far more serious. @TheThinker_in tweeted: “My appeal to every single woman and man of India. A nun has been raped by a bishop. She has found courage to fight this vile man. Justice is being denied to her. This could be your sister or daughter. Men in power cannot rape our women and we remain silent. #ArrestBishopFranco”