Kerala MLA P C George on Wednesday (12 September) told the media that he regrets the choice of words used against a rape victim. The MLA has been facing criticism for using abusive terms against a nun who has been allegedly raped by a Roman Catholic church bishop.

News 18 has quoted George as saying, “When I spoke about that woman who calls herself a nun in Kottayam Press Club during a press conference, I used a word. Such a word should not have been used. I said so out of emotion. I am not saying this under any pressure. However, I stand by a 100 per cent on everything else I have said on the topic."

Furthermore, he added that the accused bishop must be immediately arrested, should there be enough evidence against him. At a press conference called on 8 September, the MLA had earlier asked the reason why the victim had not reported the incident when it occurred.

Taking note of the abusive language used by the MLA, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned the MLA for an explanation. The victim filed a complaint in July, accusing the bishop of raping her multiple times between 2014 and 2016.

Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson, said, “The accused has claimed innocence. The church has been not supportive of the victim after she filed a complaint.”