Chhattisgarh CM Defends Arrest of Nuns in Human Trafficking Case

Rapid Summary:

• Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested on July 25 at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh.
• the arrest was based on a complaint by a local Bajrang Dal functionary alleging human trafficking and forced religious conversion involving three girls from Narayanpur.
• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that “the law is doing its job” regarding the matter.
• Protests erupted in Kerala and Delhi demanding the release of the nuns, while Congress termed the incident “deeply disturbing and shocking” and called for central intervention.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The arrest of two Kerala-based catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh raises critical issues about religious freedom,alleged coercive actions by non-state actors like political or cultural organizations,and the balance between law enforcement and communal harmony. While Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s remark defends due legal processes, protests across states highlight public concern over whether such cases are politically motivated or legitimate judicial action. The role of civil liberties needs to be closely examined here to ensure justice without escalating communal divisions.This event underscores the need for obvious investigation mechanisms when religion-related accusations arise.

Read More: The Hindu – Arrest of Two Keralite Nuns