Raipur: Even after a gruelling nine-day detention and finally being granted bail, the ordeal of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh is far from over. A fresh controversy erupted today after the official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle of BJP Chhattisgarh posted a politically charged and satirical cartoon mocking the nuns, fueling further outrage across political and religious communities.
The cartoon, which showed two nuns wearing crosses with a noose tied around a young girl’s neck, while political leaders were illustrated kneeling behind them, was widely condemned as both offensive and inflammatory. The image appeared to portray the nuns as manipulative figures in an orchestrated drama, suggesting coercion and political favouritism. The post was swiftly deleted following public backlash, but not before screenshots began circulating widely on social media.
This development comes a day after the same state government had opposed the nuns' bail in court, contradicting earlier assurances made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Kerala MPs that bail would not be obstructed. The stark divergence between the Centre’s promises and the State’s actions has deepened political tensions, especially among Kerala’s leaders and Christian communities nationwide.
Legal relief finally came from the NIA Special Court in Bilaspur, which granted bail under strict conditions including the surrender of passports, two solvent sureties, and a bail bond of ₹50,000 each. Yet, even after the court's verdict, the Chhattisgarh BJP’s satirical messaging has ignited a fresh round of criticism, seen by many as a continuation of the political vendetta.
Strong protests have been taking place across India, particularly in Kerala, where the arrest is viewed as a direct attack on Christian missionary work and religious freedom. Church leaders, human rights organisations, and political parties from both the UDF and LDF spectrums have demanded not just bail but the complete cancellation of what they term a “fabricated” and “politically motivated” case.
“This cartoon is not just in poor taste it exposes the mindset behind the arrest,” said a senior UDF leader. "Despite the legal setback, the BJP leadership in Chhattisgarh seems bent on dehumanising the nuns."
The viral post has now become a rallying point for activists and political leaders pushing for greater accountability, with many asking why no action has been taken against those responsible for what they call a “public trial” and “hate campaign” against the nuns.
As pressure mounts, the episode continues to raise critical questions about religious intolerance, misuse of law, and the political machinery that targets minorities under the guise of law enforcement. For now, the nuns walk out of jail but not out of controversy.