Malayali Catholic nuns’ arrest in Chhattisgarh: Kerala CM seeks ‘direct intervention’ of PM Modi

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene and ensure justice for two Catholic nuns from Kerala who were arrested in Chhattisgarh under controversial circumstances.

According to media reports, the nuns—identified as Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary—were arrested by police at Durg Railway Station following allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, reportedly levelled by right-wing activists.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Vijayan emphasised the need for transparent and fair proceedings. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that the letter had been sent, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Chief Minister noted that the nuns had reportedly been held while they were at the railway station to receive individuals who had come to work at their convent. He also cited concerns raised by the nuns’ relatives, who claimed they were unable to contact them after the arrest.

Vijayan requested Prime Minister Modi’s “direct intervention” to ensure justice and fairness in the legal process.

Congress slams BJP, cites minority harassment

Leader of Opposition in Kerala V D Satheesan posted on Facebook, “The rights guaranteed by the Constitution are for everyone. It is not the generosity of the BJP or the RSS. The nuns arrested in a false case in Chhattisgarh should be released immediately.”

He described the arrests as part of a “brutal police witch-hunt” and alleged that a “mob trial” had taken place.
 

Satheesan further commented on the political double standards, saying, The Sangh Parivar are wolves in sheep's clothing. They will come to the churches and Christian homes in Kerala with cakes. In other places, they will disrupt all the celebrations of Christians. They will attack them brutally. The latest example of this was seen in Chhattisgarh.”

BJP responds, promises fair probe

Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded on Facebook, asserting that necessary actions had already been initiated.

He stated that he had requested Chhattisgarh authorities to conduct a full and fair investigation and ensure protection for innocent individuals.
 

“The real facts should come out in the issue,” he said, adding that the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister had assured him that no innocent person would be punished.

Chandrasekhar also mentioned that the Central Government is taking the case “with utmost seriousness” and would extend all necessary legal support to those wrongly accused.

PTI