Chhattisgarh Court Grants Bail to Kerala Nuns in Trafficking and Conversion Case

Quick Summary

• A special court in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, granted conditional bail on August 2, 2025, to three individuals: two catholic nuns from Kerala (Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis) and Sukaman Mandavi.
• They where arrested at Durg railway station on July 25 following accusations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion raised by a Bajrang Dal functionary.
• The Principal District and Sessions Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi reserved the bail order after a hearing held Friday. Defense lawyer Amrito Das confirmed the court’s decision to grant bail.
• Alleged victims of the case have been sent back home. The prosecution did not seek custody for further interrogation.

indian Opinion Analysis
The court’s decision to grant conditional bail highlights ongoing tensions surrounding allegations of religious conversions in India. While legal proceedings unfold, this incident underscores recurring disputes over minority rights and religious freedom versus concerns about forced conversions cited by certain organizations. With accusations originating from ideological groups like Bajrang Dal, balancing impartial justice with societal sensitivities remains critical. Ensuring due diligence in investigation while protecting constitutional guarantees is vital both for minority communities and broader public trust.

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