Kochi: A fervent appeal for justice has risen from the heart of the Syro-Malabar Church, as Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil demanded the immediate release of two imprisoned nuns Sister Preethi Maria and Sister Vandana Francis currently behind bars in Chhattisgarh under what Church authorities describe as “baseless and fabricated” charges.

The Archbishop raised the issue in a high-level discussion held at Mount St. Thomas, the Church’s headquarters in Kakkanad, during a significant meeting with BJP Kerala State President and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The meeting was also attended by BJP State Vice President Shri Shone George.

Voicing deep anguish, the Archbishop stated that the unjust incarceration and denial of bail to the two Sisters women known for their unwavering commitment to serving the downtrodden had sent ripples of fear and sorrow not only through the Catholic community but across broader civil society.

“Society cannot remain silent when innocent lives are paraded before mob trials and stripped of dignity without due process,” declared the Major Archbishop. “We urge the Hon’ble Prime Minister to intervene decisively. The Church cannot ignore the rising anxiety and moral outcry over this grave injustice.”

Calling for swift and lawful reparation, the Archbishop insisted that the perpetrators of what he termed a “mob trial in disguise” be held accountable under the Constitution and criminal law, to preserve the democratic fabric of the nation.

In response, Shri Chandrasekhar conveyed assurances from the Central Government, stating that the concerns of the Church had reached the highest echelons of power. He affirmed that both the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had expressed serious intent to secure the Sisters’ early release and restore their dignity.

“The Government stands committed to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of faith. Concrete steps are already in motion,” Shri Chandrasekhar reassured the delegation.

As the nation watches closely, the case of Sisters Preethi Maria and Vandana Francis now becomes a litmus test of justice and religious harmony in the world’s largest democracy.