Kerala Nuns to Stay in Jail as Judge Refers Case to NIA Court in Chhattisgarh

Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, will continue to stay in judicial custody in Durg, Chhattisgarh. A sessions court denied them bail and ruled that their case should be handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Bilaspur, about 100 kilometers from Durg. The police have been instructed to obtain approval from the central government for the case transfer, a process expected to take around two weeks.

Arrest and Charges

The nuns were arrested on July 25 at Durg Railway Station along with a man named Sukaman Mandavi. Authorities accuse them of forcibly converting three women from Narayanpur district and trafficking them to Agra for employment in a convent hospital. However, families of the women have denied these allegations, stating that the women consented willingly to the move.

Public Outcry in Kerala

The arrests have sparked widespread protests across Kerala, with large crowds gathering in cities such as Thrissur and Ernakulam. Church leaders, including Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath and Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil, condemned the arrests, calling them unjust and unconstitutional. They argued that the charges are fabricated and part of a larger pattern of targeting religious minorities in India.

Political Reactions

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the arrests, blaming Sangh Parivar-affiliated groups for filing false complaints, specifically mentioning Bajrang Dal activists. Vijayan described the incident as part of a growing intolerance toward India’s diverse and pluralistic society.

Broader Implications

This case has become a flashpoint in debates around religious freedom and minority rights in India. It highlights the ongoing tensions between secular values and religious identities, as well as concerns about the misuse of legal provisions related to religious conversions and trafficking.

What’s Next?

The sessions court’s decision to refer the matter to the NIA court reflects the seriousness of the case and the involvement of a specialized investigation agency. The police are awaiting central government clearance for the transfer, after which further proceedings will continue in Bilaspur.