Did Two Kerala Nuns Really Walk Out of Chhattisgarh Jail After Eight Days?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable turn of events, two Kerala nuns have been released from a Chhattisgarh jail after eight days behind bars. Their case, involving serious allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, has sparked significant political debate. As they reunite with their loved ones, questions arise about the implications of their ordeal.
Key Takeaways
- Two Kerala nuns released from jail
- Charges included human trafficking
- Bail granted by NIA court
- Political support was significant
- Conditions for bail include reporting to police
Raipur/Kochi, Aug 2 (NationPress) After spending eight days in incarceration, two nuns from Kerala were released from the Central Jail in Durg, Chhattisgarh, at 3.40 p.m. on Saturday. This followed a decision by a special NIA court in Bilaspur to grant them bail in a case that involved accusations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.
Although they appeared weary, both nuns beamed with joy as they exited the jail, embracing their supporters.
Among the crowd outside were Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, along with several lawmakers from Kerala, including Jose K. Mani, John Brittas, Santhosh Kumar, Roji M. John, Anwar Sadath, and Chandy Oommen, along with colleagues of the two nuns.
State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar remarked that this bail could have been granted three days earlier had it not been for political theatrics.
“I am grateful to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Earlier this week, church officials reached out to me for assistance, and I assured them that a resolution would be achieved,” stated Chandrasekhar.
Due to conditions of their bail, the nuns refrained from addressing the media present.
The two nuns were accompanied by their relatives, who had journeyed from Kerala, as they headed to a local school.
Earlier on Saturday, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, both affiliated with the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate—a congregation of the Syro-Malabar Church located in Alappuzha district—received bail after agreeing to submit a bond of Rs 50,000 each, alongside two sureties.
They have been instructed to surrender their passports, avoid any attempts to influence witnesses, and report to the local police station in Chhattisgarh every two weeks.
Their troubles began on July 26 when the two were transporting three women from Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh to Agra for positions as kitchen helpers in a convent. They were intercepted at a railway station by activists from Bajrang Dal, who accused them of forced religious conversion and human trafficking.
Following the activists' complaint, police arrested the nuns and a man named Sukhman Mandavi, accusing them of human trafficking and attempted religious conversion.
Mandavi was also released from custody.
The nuns are expected to return to Kerala first to reunite with their families before resuming their duties.
Point of View
This situation highlights the complexities of religious freedom and the political dynamics at play in cases involving minority communities. The release of the two nuns underscores the importance of due process, as well as the potential influence of political figures in sensitive matters. It is crucial that we approach such cases with empathy and an understanding of the broader implications for society.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the Kerala nuns?
The Kerala nuns were accused of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.
How long were the nuns in jail?
The nuns spent eight days in Central Jail in Durg, Chhattisgarh.
What was the bail amount set for the nuns?
The bail amount was set at Rs 50,000 each, along with two sureties.
Who supported the nuns during their ordeal?
Prominent political figures, including Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, were present to support the nuns upon their release.
What will the nuns do next after their release?
The nuns are expected to return to Kerala to meet their families before resuming their duties.
