Raipur: After nine long days behind bars, relief finally dawned for Sisters Vandana Francis and Preethi Mary, the Catholic nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on controversial charges of human trafficking and forced conversion. The Bilaspur NIA court granted them bail, bringing emotional responses from families, Church leaders, and politicians alike.
Jail Superintendent Manish Sambhakar informed Media that the release process will be executed promptly upon receipt of the court order. "They will walk free today," he affirmed. Jins Mathew, the brother of Sister Vandana, choked back emotion while thanking all those who stood by them during this trying period. "She suffered a lot… Thank you to everyone who supported her," he said, visibly moved.
The impact of the verdict rippled from Raipur to Kerala. Sister Preethi Mary's family in Angamaly received the news with deep gratitude and relief. Her father, Varkey, expressed heartfelt thanks to all who extended support. "Let the case be withdrawn… that is our only request now," he added.
Prominent representatives from Kerala who had reached Chhattisgarh to show solidarity called the bail a "victory for justice and for Kerala." Across denominational lines, Christian leaders demanded more than just bail they called for a complete scrapping of the case.
Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, President of KCBC, praised the bail order but urged those in power to act boldly and correct the injustice. "The charges must be changed. Rulers should have the courage to do that," he said.
CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath echoed this sentiment. “We are thankful to everyone leaders from every party, both at the state and central level. But this case must be canceled. The sisters are innocent,” he insisted.
From the Orthodox Church, Catholicos His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III also called for decisive action. "Justice will only be complete if this fabricated case is dropped," he stated.
With the nuns' release expected shortly, public pressure continues to mount on authorities to quash the case entirely, as thousands across India see this as a moment not just of relief, but of reckoning.