New Delhi: The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has strongly condemned the unlawful arrest of two Catholic nuns and a young man in Chhattisgarh, describing it as a blatant violation of constitutional rights and an alarming reflection of growing hostility against minorities in India. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the CRI expressed deep pain and anguish over the increasing denial and violation of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, particularly those of the poor, the marginalized, the Adivasis, and the Dalits.
The CRI noted that the latest incident involves the arrest of Sr. Preeti Mary and Sr. Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), along with Mr. Sukhman Mandavi, a resident of Narayanpur. They were detained at Durg railway station on 26 July 2025 while accompanying three young women to Agra for employment at a convent. The nuns and the young man have been charged under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for alleged human trafficking, and under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act 1968 for alleged unlawful religious conversion. The CRI has categorically rejected these charges as completely false and fabricated.
Describing the arrests as unwarranted and illegal, the CRI condemned the continued targeting of minorities - especially Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs - amidst a surge in hate speeches and systematic attempts to undermine freedoms of speech and religion. The organization voiced particular concern about the disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups, especially in the state of Bihar, and criticized the apathy of those entrusted with upholding the law.
The CRI has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the two nuns and Mr. Mandavi, and called for all charges against them to be dropped. It further demanded that those responsible for this incident, including the Bajrang Dal activists and the police personnel involved, be held accountable and charge-sheeted. The CRI also urged the Central and State Governments to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, especially minorities, as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The CRI concluded its statement by appealing to all people of goodwill to stand in solidarity and raise their voices against the misuse of power and the growing culture of religious intolerance across the nation.