Kerala Nuns Arrested in Chhattisgarh: NIA Court to Decide on Bail in Conversion Case
Two Kerala nuns, arrested on charges of forceful religious conversion and human trafficking, will remain in jail after a Chhattisgarh sessions court ruled that only the NIA (National Investigation Agency) court has jurisdiction to hear their bail plea.
Arrest of the Nuns at Durg Railway Station
The two women — Preeti Marry and Vandana Francis — along with Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested last Friday at Durg railway station. The FIR was registered under the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, following a complaint by a Bajrang Dal worker who alleged that the accused forcibly converted three women and attempted to traffic them.
Court’s Ruling on Bail Application
The bail plea, filed in the Durg Sessions Court, was heard by an Additional District Judge, as the presiding judge was on leave. The court disposed of the plea, stating the matter falls under the NIA Act and must be heard by the NIA court in Bilaspur.
According to Ravi Shankar Singh, Secretary of the Durg Advocates Association, the judge informed the police they have 15 days to write to the central government for further direction. This decision ensures that the nuns will remain in custody until the NIA court takes up the matter.
Defence Arguments by Lawyers
The nuns’ lawyer, Tamaskar Tondon, argued that the FIR was based on suspicion without proper inquiry. He stressed that the women involved were all adults, and their families had no objection to them working elsewhere.
Tondon said, “The FIR seems politically motivated. There was no preliminary investigation, and the case is being pushed without strong evidence.”
Another lawyer, Rajkumar Tiwari, explained that since Section 143 (trafficking of a person) applies, the case falls within NIA jurisdiction. He added that the defence is considering approaching the High Court with a writ petition for relief.
Political Reactions and Protests
The arrests have sparked a political storm, with protests in Kerala and Delhi. MPs from both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) staged demonstrations outside Parliament.
Brinda Karat, senior CPI(M) leader, visited Durg and criticized the arrests, calling it part of a larger pattern of minority persecution. “The women are adults. Why do they need permission to work elsewhere?” she questioned.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also condemned the arrests, alleging it was “politics of polarisation”. He claimed the BJP targets minorities in states where it is in power, linking the case to vote-bank politics.
What Lies Ahead
The final decision now rests with the NIA court in Bilaspur, which will determine whether the case proceeds under its jurisdiction. Until then, the nuns remain behind bars, with the possibility of their lawyers moving the High Court for interim relief.
