After Nun Rape, India Cardinal Says Protect Humans, not Just Cows

The head of India's Catholic bishops, speaking out after a nun was raped in the east of the country last week, has said the country should be as concerned about the welfare of its people as it is about its cows. The comments appeared directed against hardline Hindu nationalists who have stirred up animosity against India's Christian and Muslim minorities, while successfully lobbying for tougher laws against killing cows. Cows are considered sacred by many Indians, but beef is eaten by some poor and lower-caste Hindus as well as by Christians and Muslims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party said he was "deeply concerned" and demanded a detailed report into what happened.