Chhattisgarh Assault Allegations Against Bajrang Dal Lead to Arrest of Kerala Nuns, causing controversy
In the heart of India, a legal and political storm is brewing in the state of Chhattisgarh, where two Kerala nuns, Preeti Marry and Vandana Francis, remain in judicial custody following their arrest on allegations of forcible religious conversion and human trafficking.
The arrest, made on July 25, 2025, was based on a complaint from local Bajrang Dal activists. However, subsequent investigations have raised questions about the validity of the accusations. One of the women the nuns were accused of targeting has alleged that she was coerced and threatened by a woman named Jyoti Sharma, reportedly affiliated with a Hindutva outfit but not Bajrang Dal, to give an adverse statement against the nuns [1][2].
The case has generated significant public attention and controversy. Activists and some tribal women claim the nuns are innocent and were improperly targeted, pointing out that the concerned tribal girl’s family had already embraced Christianity years ago, which questions the forced conversion allegation [2]. On the other hand, the local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal leaders maintain that their intervention was to prevent alleged religious conversions and human trafficking of tribal girls in the Bastar region [1][2].
The court's hearing on bail and coercion claims will determine the legal trajectory of the case. Meanwhile, the Government Railway Police (GRP) detained the nuns and a youth named Sukhman Mandavi at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh [3].
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai stands by the arrests, stating that the accused were involved in a scheme promising jobs and nursing courses to lure tribal girls into conversion [4]. The state has seen a rise in communal tensions since 2021, with over 250 FIRs related to religious violence [5].
The unfolding controversy may shape the national conversation on vigilantism, tribal rights, and the misuse of anti-conversion laws. Opposition MPs have criticized the government for failing to protect religious freedom and have demanded a judicial probe into the Bajrang Dal assault allegations and a review of the circumstances leading to the arrests [6].
The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), which is representing the family, has submitted an affidavit citing threats and forced confessions, urging the court to consider the assault claims while reviewing the legality of the arrest [7]. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also expressed concerns, warning about the growing instances of community-led vigilantism in India, stating that it threatens the secular and legal fabric of the country [8].
As the case progresses, grassroots fallout continues to escalate, with Christian groups across Kerala and tribal districts of Chhattisgarh staging protests, framing the case as emblematic of growing intolerance and lawlessness under the guise of anti-conversion laws [9]. The Chhattisgarh State Minorities Commission has requested stronger safeguards for tribal and religious minorities travelling for work or study, citing a 2022 incident in Bastar where Christian schoolteachers were accused of conversion but acquitted due to lack of evidence [10].
Amidst calls for an impartial investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court at Bilaspur is set to decide the fate of the Kerala nuns. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for religious freedom and community relations in India.
[1] Times of India: "Nuns' arrest: NIA court to hear bail plea on August 8" [2] The Hindu: "Nuns’ arrest: Tribal girl’s family denies link to conversion or trafficking" [3] The Indian Express: "Nuns, youth detained by GRP in Chhattisgarh" [4] The New Indian Express: "Chhattisgarh CM stands by arrest of nuns, accuses them of conversion racket" [5] The Wire: "Chhattisgarh: Over 250 FIRs related to religious violence since 2021" [6] The Print: "Opposition MPs demand judicial probe into Bajrang Dal assault allegations" [7] The News Minute: "HRLN submits affidavit in Chhattisgarh court, alleges threats, forced confessions" [8] The Indian Express: "NHRC warns of growing instances of community-led vigilantism in India" [9] Deccan Herald: "Christian groups in Kerala, Chhattisgarh protest against arrest of nuns" [10] The Hindu: "Chhattisgarh Minorities Commission seeks stronger safeguards for tribal, religious minorities"
Amidst the escalating grassroots unrest, the Indian politics and general-news landscape have become increasingly dominated by the ongoing controversy over the arrest of two Kerala nuns in Chhattisgarh, charged with forcible religious conversion and human trafficking. This case, which has generated significant public attention and controversy, raises questions about the validity of the accusations and the role of vigilantism in India's tribal rights and religious freedom discourse. Crime-and-justice concerns are also at the forefront as opposition MPs call for a judicial probe into the allegations of assault by Bajrang Dal, while human rights groups and Christian groups stage protests against the perceived misuse of anti-conversion laws.
