Durg: The Durg trial court has rejected the bail application of Keralite nuns Sr. Vandana Francis and Sr. Preethi Mary, who were arrested in Chhattisgarh under charges of religious conversion and human trafficking. The verdict, delivered today, has stirred fresh outrage among Opposition leaders and Church groups, who claim that the case is part of a larger effort to target Christians under fabricated charges.
The legal team representing the nuns announced that they will approach the sessions court shortly to seek bail, maintaining that the allegations are baseless and constitutionally unsound.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Opposition MPs, who visited the Durg Central Jail, strongly condemned the treatment of the nuns and accused right-wing outfits of orchestrating a planned mob harassment. The delegation included N.K. Premachandran, Francis George, Benny Behanan, Roji M. John, and Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. They were joined by Baiju, a relative of one of the nuns, who was also allowed to meet them briefly.
The MPs said that permission to visit the nuns was initially granted, then abruptly revoked, leading to chaotic scenes at the jail. “The Jail Superintendent had cleared the visit between 12:30 and 12:40 pm. But on the Director General's order, it was withheld. This is not just procedural confusion—it is intimidation,” alleged MP N.K. Premachandran.
He also pointed out that a BJP delegation from Kerala had been allowed to meet the nuns without any hurdles, raising serious questions of political partiality. Following sustained protests by the Opposition MPs, permission was eventually granted.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also visited the jailed nuns. Though initially denied access, he later met the sisters. MP Benny Behanan thanked him for his support and intervention.
After the visit, the MPs described the nuns’ emotional account of the incident. “The sisters had taken adult girls to three convents for work, with full consent from their parents and with proper documentation. Despite this, they were harassed and accused falsely,” said Behanan.
According to the nuns, members of Bajrang Dal accosted them at Durg Railway Station, used vulgar language, and even attempted physical assault. “All of this took place while the police stood by and watched. The incident was not just a law-and-order failure, but a targeted communal attack,” he added.
The Opposition MPs termed the case a gross violation of constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of religion and dignity of women. “This is a direct assault on the secular spirit of the Indian Constitution. We will continue our protest and demand immediate justice for the sisters,” said Francis George.
The episode has sparked nationwide criticism, especially from the Christian community, as the case reflects growing concerns over communal polarization and misuse of law to target minorities.