Raipur: In a sharp and urgent response to the controversial arrest of two Malayali Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, the State Minorities Commission has called for immediate national-level intervention. The Commission condemned the incident as a grave violation of constitutional rights and warned of the dangerous communal undercurrents threatening the secular framework of the nation.
Commission Chairman Adv. A.A. Rasheed strongly criticized the manner in which Sisters Vandana Francis and Preethi Mary, both members of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, were taken into custody. He emphasized that this was not merely an isolated incident, but a deeply troubling reflection of growing religious intolerance and misuse of anti-conversion laws.
“The arrest of these nuns following mob intimidation and baseless accusations by Bajrang Dal members is alarming,” Rasheed stated. “This is not just an attack on individuals, but on the very principles of religious freedom and human dignity safeguarded by our Constitution.”
Adv. Rasheed urged both the National Commission for Minorities and the Union Government to take urgent corrective action. He highlighted how extremist elements are increasingly using the pretext of anti-conversion legislation to carry out targeted harassment, undermining both the rule of law and communal harmony.
The Chairman also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety of religious minorities, especially in northern India, where similar incidents of violence and false allegations have been reported. He reiterated the demand for the immediate release of the nuns and called for action against those responsible for lodging the fabricated complaint.
The two nuns were arrested in Durg following a complaint from Bajrang Dal activists, who accused them of human trafficking and forced conversion. The case, which now includes non-bailable charges, has drawn nationwide criticism and calls for justice from several civil and religious organizations.