Bilaspur/Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2 (NationPress) The NIA Court in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has granted bail to two nuns from Kerala who were taken into custody last week under allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The court finalized its hearings regarding the bail plea on Friday.

Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, affiliated with the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate—a congregation associated with the Syro-Malabar Church in Alappuzha district—are required to furnish a bond of Rs 50,000 each along with two sureties. They must also surrender their passports.

This ruling paves the way for their release, concluding an ordeal that began on July 26. The nuns were employed at a hospital in Agra and were transporting three women from Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh to the city for work as kitchen helpers in a convent when they were intercepted by activists from the Bajrang Dal at a railway station.

Following the activists' complaint, law enforcement apprehended the nuns along with a man named Sukhman Mandavi, accusing them of human trafficking and attempted religious conversion.

This incident ignited significant outrage, especially in Kerala, where the arrests prompted an unusual display of solidarity between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left and the opposition Congress-led UDF. Both political factions dispatched delegations to Chhattisgarh, with leaders frequently visiting the nuns in custody and organizing protest marches throughout the state. The matter also resonated in both Houses of Parliament.

On Saturday, numerous lawmakers from both the Left and UDF were present in the Bilaspur court during the proceedings. Congress MLA Roji M. John, currently in Bilaspur, characterized the bail as a long-awaited moment. MP Jose K. Mani emphasized that the immediate goal is for the investigation officer to withdraw all charges against the nuns. Sister Preeti's brother expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who supported the family during this challenging time.

Kerala BJP leaders have also taken some credit, with party general secretary Anoop Antony noting their efforts had borne fruit. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who has maintained regular communication with Church leaders and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for intervention, is expected to arrive in Bilaspur later today.

Meanwhile, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, whose Lok Sabha constituency encompasses the sisters' convent, visited the authorities on Saturday morning and expressed optimism for a resolution. He also met with the inmates, offering words of comfort.

The nuns are anticipated to be released soon, and they will be permitted to travel freely within the country, as there are no restrictions on their movements.