New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has strongly condemned the recent arrest and alleged physical assault of two Catholic Religious Women at Durg Railway Station. Expressing deep concern and outrage, the CBCI highlighted that this incident is part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, false accusations, and fabricated cases targeting Religious Women in recent months.
In the case at Durg, the Religious Women were reportedly arrested despite written consent letters from the parents of the accompanying girls, all of whom are over 18 years of age. Reports also suggest that the women were physically assaulted following the arrest.
The CBCI pointed to a growing trend where anti-social elements appear to be tracking the movements of Christian Religious Women, confronting them at public places like railway stations, provoking crowds, and using abusive and threatening language. “Such incidents not only threaten the modesty of women but also put their lives in grave danger. These repeated, unwarranted actions are a serious violation of the Constitution and cannot be tolerated,” the statement read.
Calling for immediate and decisive measures, the CBCI urged state governments to ensure the safety and protection of all women, especially those belonging to religious communities. The Conference also appealed to the Union Government for urgent intervention to prevent further such incidents.
“The Catholic Church will raise this issue on all appropriate platforms and will strongly oppose any attempt to malign the dignity of Religious Nuns and Priests, or to curtail religious freedom,” the CBCI affirmed.
Reiterating its commitment to justice and constitutional rights, the CBCI demanded concrete steps to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of Religious Women. The Conference assured that it would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary action to safeguard the rights of all minorities.