The nuns were transferred last year, but resolved to stay back at the convent to ensure justice to the victim who accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of raping her several times.

Nearly a week after the State government appointed a special prosecutor in the nun rape case, four of the five nuns who had protested against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the accused, have once again been asked to leave the convent here.

Official sources said Superior General Regina Kadamthottu of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation, in letters addressing each of nuns, seeks to enforce the transfer orders issued to the nuns last year.

While sister Anupama Kelamangalathuveliyil has been directed to join the Chamiyari community in Punjab as per an earlier order in March 2018, Sister Ancitta Urumbil has been asked to join the Pariyaram community, Kannur. Sister Alphy Pallasseril has been asked to join the Pakartala community in Bihar, and Josephine Villoonnickal was appointed as Superior at Lalmatia community in Jharkhand in May 2017

Sister Nina Rose, who was also part of the protest, has not been issued any such directions.

Earlier this month, these five nuns of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation, who had staged a protest against the Bishop in Kochi, came out in public once again alleging a deliberate attempt to delay justice to the victim.

Confirming the receipt of transfer order, the sisters accused the church of “taking vengeance for their public protests” and said they have resolved to stay back at the convent here to ensure justice to the victim.