Kerala Nuns Denied Bail in Chhattisgarh; Arrest Sparks National Outcry

The two nuns from Kerala have not been granted bail by the court in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district. Their bail petitions were rejected on July 30, 2025.

The two nuns, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, were arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Durg railway station on July 25, along with another person, Sukaman Mandavi, following a complaint filed by a local Bajrang Dal worker.

They were arrested on allegations of forced religious conversion and trafficking of three tribal girls under the pretext of offering them jobs.

However, the three young women in question have since stated they belong to the Christian community and denied any attempt at religious conversion. They also confirmed they were travelling for nursing job opportunities and had submitted written consent from their parents.

Despite these clarifications, the nuns remain in custody. Reports indicate that both the nuns, who suffer from health issues, were forced to sleep on the floor in jail.

Several leaders, including CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, have come out in support of the nuns. Karat personally met them and called the charges baseless.

She emphasized that every citizen has the right to travel and seek employment anywhere in the country.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also stated that “religious freedom is a constitutional right.”

Church leaders and associated institutions have voiced concern over what they view as targeted harassment of minority communities. The case has reignited debate over religious freedom, anti-conversion laws, and the treatment of minority groups in certain parts of the country.

The case has reignited debate over religious freedom, anti-conversion laws, and the treatment of minority groups in certain parts of the country.

As legal proceedings continue, civil rights organizations have called for a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.