Several thousand Christians in central India marched in protest June 20 and 21 after reports emerged that two men had sexually assaulted a nun in her bedroom.

Citing police sources in Chhattisgarh state, the Union of Catholic Asian News said attackers broke into the 47-year-old nun’s room early June 20, tied her, and attempted to rape her. Though traumatized, the woman was able to fend off the attackers, the news agency quoted her superior as saying.

Voice of America quoted Arun Pannalal, president of Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, as saying the assault “appears to be part of the ongoing anti-Christian hate campaign across the state.” VoA said police had detained several suspects for questioning.