In a major development in the ongoing Chhattisgarh ‘conversion and trafficking’ case, two Catholic nuns from Kerala — Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis — along with co-accused Sukaman Mandavi, have been granted conditional bail by a special court in Bilaspur. The arrests, made on July 25 at Durg railway station, were based on allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion involving three young tribal women from Narayanpur.
The case has attracted nationwide attention, sparking a political debate between ruling and opposition parties, while also drawing the attention of human rights advocates and religious communities.
Details of the Arrest
The two nuns and Mandavi were apprehended following a complaint lodged by a local Bajrang Dal functionary. The complaint alleged that the trio was involved in forcibly converting three tribal women to Christianity and trafficking them under the pretext of providing nursing training and jobs in Agra.
The alleged victims, all adults and practising Christians according to the defence, were reportedly being escorted by the accused when the arrests were made.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During the bail hearing on Friday, defence lawyer Amrito Das argued that:
- The prosecution did not request police custody for the accused.
- The alleged victims had already been sent back to their homes.
- There was no immediate necessity to keep the accused in custody.
The court, presided over by Principal District and Session Judge (NIA court) Sirajuddin Qureshi, reserved its order after the hearing and granted bail on Saturday.
Bail Conditions Include:
- The accused cannot leave India.
- They must surrender their passports.
- They are prohibited from influencing witnesses.
According to the defence, the bail documentation process is underway, and the release orders are expected to be issued within hours.
Prosecution’s Stand
Public Prosecutor Dauram Chandravanshi opposed the bail application, stressing that the case is still in its early investigation stages. He maintained that releasing the accused could potentially hamper the inquiry process.
Political Reactions
The arrest of the nuns has triggered a heated political row:
- Opposition’s View: Congress and CPI(M) leaders have criticised the arrests, calling them a result of misunderstanding and religious bias. Kerala’s state party leaders have demanded the immediate withdrawal of charges, stressing that the nuns were only accompanying consenting adults.
- Ruling Party’s Stand: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Visnu Deo Sai defended the police action, stating that preliminary evidence suggested human trafficking. He alleged that three young women were promised job opportunities and were handed over to the nuns at the railway station for relocation to Agra.
Religious and Social Context
The case has intensified ongoing debates over religious conversions in India, especially in tribal-dominated states like Chhattisgarh. Anti-conversion laws and vigilant monitoring by right-wing groups have created a tense environment for religious workers and missionaries operating in these areas.
Religious organisations have condemned the arrests, arguing that they criminalise charitable work by misinterpreting voluntary faith practices as coercion.
Human Rights Concerns
Activists point out that the case raises broader questions about:
- The freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
- The rights of adults to choose their faith.
- The need for due process and avoidance of prejudiced policing based on religious affiliation.
The fact that the alleged victims are adults practising Christianity is central to the defence’s argument, suggesting that the accusations of forced conversion may not stand legal scrutiny.
What Happens Next?
With bail granted, the focus now shifts to the investigation process. The accused are expected to cooperate fully while adhering to the bail conditions. The prosecution will continue gathering evidence, and the political discourse surrounding the case is likely to remain active.
The outcome of this case could have wider implications on how religious activities and social service initiatives are monitored in regions with sensitive socio-religious demographics.
The bail granted to Preethi Merry, Vandana Francis, and Sukaman Mandavi marks an important moment in the Chhattisgarh conversion and trafficking case. While the legal battle is far from over, the decision reflects the court’s assessment that prolonged custody was unnecessary at this stage.
As the investigation proceeds, the case will continue to test the delicate balance between law enforcement, political interests, religious freedom, and human rights protections in India.
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