SAFFoRB condemns the arrest of the Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) strongly condemns the unlawful and unjust arrest of Sr. Preeti Mary and Sr. Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), along with Mr.Sukaman Mandavi, on 25 July 2025 in Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh. The arrests were made following a complaint by a member of the Bajrang Dal, Ravi Nigam, alleging human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

The individuals were charged under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for human trafficking and Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act 1968. These allegations are baseless and fabricated, targeting individuals who have a proven record of serving marginalized communities with dedication and compassion.

The tribal women’s families have publicly refuted the claims, stating that they were aware of the women’s travel for legitimate job placement opportunities, and a written submission to the Narayanpur Police on 26 July further confirmed their knowledge and consent. One of the women’s elder siblings explicitly stated, “The sisters are innocent. Even the boy is being framed. We sent our sisters with him.”

It is deeply concerning that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai defended the arrests, framing them as acts of inducement and conversion under the guise of employment training. Such a stance not only undermines the presumption of innocence but also fuels communal mistrust and discrimination in a secular and democratic nation.

SAFFoRB unequivocally condemns the targeted actions of the Bajrang Dal and the State’s misuse of legal provisions to harass religious minorities and their allies. The wrongful detention of these nuns—known for their selfless service to the poor and oppressed—is a grave violation of their constitutional rights and a direct affront to India’s secular fabric.

We urge the Chhattisgarh government repeal the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act and to uphold the rule of law, refrain from yielding to communal pressures, and protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their faith.