Kerala LDF MPs to Urge Modi, Shah Over Arrest of Keralite Nuns in Chhattisgarh

Swift Summary

• Incident: Two Keralite nuns of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) were arrested at the Durg railway station, Chhattisgarh, on july 25, on charges of forced conversion and human trafficking.
• Context: Bajrang Dal activists accused the nuns of attempting to transport three women for “forced conversion” to Christianity.
• Charges: The nuns face charges under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for trafficking and Section 4 of the chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act, 1968. Conviction could lead to up to 10 years imprisonment and fines exceeding ₹2 lakh.
• Legal Challenges: A Durg trial court recused itself from hearing their bail plea due to jurisdiction issues; it is indeed likely referred to a Special NIA Court in Jagadalpur.
• Civil activism: Left Democratic Front (LDF) MPs from Kerala are seeking intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for early release and dismissal of what they term as “fake charges.”
• Allegations Against Bajrang Dal:

– They were reportedly allowed by police officials to conduct public humiliation against the sisters at both the railway station and police station premises.
– Activists allegedly intimidated witnesses, chanted slogans opposing bail during hearings, and physically threatened a tribal youth accompanying them.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The arrest raises complex intersections between law enforcement processes, religious freedom laws, activist pressure groups like Bajrang Dal, and minority rights. The invocation of stringent laws such as Sections under BNS suggests serious allegations but also demands thorough legal inquiry. Concerns raised regarding procedural fairness-such as mob intimidation-warrant scrutiny within frameworks safeguarding judicial independence.

For India’s democratic ethos grounded in pluralism amidst divergent faiths or affiliations, this case has wider societal implications. Potential perceived bias towards one group over another may heighten communal tensions if not addressed swiftly through clear legal proceedings. Calls for higher political intervention indicate significant stakes beyond just a localized matter in Chhattisgarh.

Read more: Source

Images:
!80/PTI07292025000580B.jpg”>Image2
!