Opposition MPs meet Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh jail, claim they shared distressing accounts

Durg: A delegation of Opposition MPs on Tuesday visited the Malayali nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of religious conversion and human trafficking, and alleged that Bajrang Dal activists had behaved inappropriately with them. The MPs made the statement while speaking to the media after meeting the nuns at Durg Central Jail.

The delegation included MPs N K Premachandran, Francis George, Benny Behanan and Saptagiri Ulaka, along with Baiju, a relative of the nuns. Their meeting was permitted following strong protests.

Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Durg jail premises over the visitation permit. Initially, the jail superintendent had granted permission to meet the nuns between 12.30 and 12.40 pm. However, reportedly following directions from the Director General, the permission was abruptly revoked, with officials stating the matter would be reconsidered the following day, according to MP N K Premachandran.

Meanwhile, Premachandran noted that a BJP-led delegation from Kerala had already been allowed to meet and speak with the nuns. After protests from the Opposition MPs, permission was eventually granted for them as well.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Behanan said, "The nuns shared distressing accounts. They had proper documentation for the girls who were taken to the three convents for employment. The nuns maintained that the girls were taken with the consent of both the individuals and their parents. All of them are legally adults."

He further alleged, “Without any provocation, Bajrang Dal activists behaved in an indecent and aggressive manner. They used offensive language towards the nuns and even attempted to assault them. All of this occurred in the presence of the police. It was a premeditated and targeted attack—a clear violation of the constitutional rights of the individuals.”