Raipur: Tensions surrounding the controversial arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh have taken a new legal turn. The family of the three girls who were accompanying the nuns at the time of the arrest has decided to file a police complaint against Bajrang Dal activists, particularly naming Jyoti Sharma, for allegedly threatening and physically assaulting the young women.
The decision comes after the girls were released by the police earlier this week, following the recording of their statements. The young women, who were reportedly travelling with the nuns voluntarily, are currently safe and staying in Narayanpur. CPI MP P. Santosh Kumar confirmed to reporters that legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for the harassment and manhandling of the girls.
“Their rights were violated, and they were treated as if they were criminals, even before any investigation. Legal recourse is not just an option it is necessary,” said the parliamentarian.
The brother of Sister Vandana Francis, one of the arrested nuns, expressed cautious optimism regarding the bail plea. “We trust in the judiciary and hope that the truth will come out soon. My sister is innocent,” he said.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the special NIA court in Chhattisgarh, which is expected to pronounce its verdict today on the bail plea of the arrested nuns Sister Vandana Francis of Udayagiri Parish, Thalassery, and Sister Preethi Mary of Elavur Parish, Angamaly.
The two nuns were arrested last Saturday from Durg under charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion after Bajrang Dal activists intercepted their journey with three girls. The nuns were physically restrained and detained by the activists before being handed over to the police.
The Chhattisgarh government has strongly opposed the bail petition. Adding to the pressure, legal representatives of the Bajrang Dal submitted a fierce objection in court on Friday. They claimed the nuns were involved in coercive religious activities and that granting bail would obstruct the investigation.
Prankush Mishra, the lawyer representing the prosecution, reiterated the state’s stance, telling media that the investigation is in its nascent stages and that releasing the accused could lead to tampering of evidence or influencing witnesses. He stated, “The children were being transported for conversion under the guise of religious instruction. This cannot be treated lightly.”
Sister Preethi Mary has been listed as the prime accused, while Sister Vandana Francis is named second. Charges under sections related to forced conversion and human trafficking have been invoked against both.
The arrest and subsequent targeting of the girls and the nuns have sparked a wave of political and social reactions. Church leaders, civil rights activists, and minority rights organizations have criticized what they describe as vigilante justice executed by religious extremists under political patronage.
“The state must act impartially and not allow fringe groups to override due process,” said a senior representative from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. They have demanded an independent inquiry into the incident, including the actions of Bajrang Dal members who physically detained the nuns and girls without legal authority.
As the legal battle unfolds, the families of those involved await justice in what has quickly become a high-stakes case one that highlights the fragile balance between law enforcement, religious freedom, and extremist vigilante actions in a deeply polarized political climate.