BJP Leader: Chhattisgarh Nuns’ Arrest Due to Misunderstanding, Bail Expected Soon

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, has commented on the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh, attributing it to a misunderstanding regarding human trafficking and forced conversion allegations. He mentioned that they are expected to be released on bail shortly. Chandrasekhar’s remarks followed a meeting with Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. He conveyed that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that the state government will not contest the nuns’ bail petitions. According to Chandrasekhar, it is a legal procedure, and he cautioned against politicizing the matter. The situation arose due to the lack of registration on a portal for young women moving between districts for employment, as required by a Chhattisgarh law governing private placement agencies. Following the meeting, Archbishop Thazhath expressed the Church’s concern and desire for the nuns’ quick release. He also discussed the safety and security of the Christian community in India. The nuns, Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis from Kerala, along with Sukhman Mandavi, were apprehended on July 25 at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh. Their arrest was prompted by a complaint from a local Bajrang Dal member who accused them of forced conversions and trafficking.