Chhattisgarh- A sessions court in Chhattisgarh has rejected the bail plea of the Keralite nuns who were arrested on charges of alleged human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The case has now been referred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court for further proceedings.

The decision comes amidst intense protests by Bajrang Dal activists, who gathered in large numbers outside the courthouse, demanding that the nuns not be released. Led by leaders including Jyoti Sharma, the protestors shouted slogans and staged dramatic scenes in front of the court premises, expressing their opposition to any leniency.

Footage previously emerged showing Bajrang Dal members questioning and confronting the nuns during their arrest, further fueling tensions.

The case has stirred a wider debate on religious freedom and law enforcement in the region. With the matter now in the hands of the NIA court, legal experts expect the investigation and proceedings to take a more serious turn under the anti-terror agency’s jurisdiction.

Visuals of Bajrang Dal activists confronting and questioning the nuns at the time of their arrest had already sparked widespread criticism. As the Chhattisgarh Sessions Court refused to consider the bail plea citing lack of jurisdiction, it transferred the application to the NIA court in Bilaspur.

With this development, it has become clear that the Malayali nuns will remain in judicial custody until the NIA court hears the matter. The transfer of the case indicates that the authorities are taking the investigation seriously under the purview of national security laws.

Outside the court, Bajrang Dal activists intensified their protests, staging dramatic scenes and shouting slogans.

Led by leaders such as Jyoti Sharma, the protestors demanded that the nuns not be granted bail under any circumstances. The group continues to allege involvement of the nuns in forced religious conversions and human trafficking—claims that have drawn both support and criticism across different sections of society. As the legal proceedings now move to the NIA court, the situation remains tense, and the case is expected to attract further national scrutiny in the coming days.