Political Outcry Over Arrest of Kerala Nuns Sparks Nationwide Protests

In a political storm, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has denounced the arrest of two Kerala nuns in Chhattisgarh as a 'grave injustice.' Tharoor expressed his support during a press briefing in the national capital, arguing that the nuns acted within the law.

He asserted that the nuns were merely escorting tribal girls to the city for employment purposes when the Bajrang Dal intervened, raising false allegations that led to their arrest. Despite protests, the nuns remain in custody for over a week. BJP's Kerala unit has promised intervention, yet no progress has been seen.

Congress MP Jebi Mather also condemned the charges against the nuns as a severe injustice. She emphasized the Congress party's consistent opposition to the arrests, advocating for their release through various means, including protests and parliamentary efforts. Other prominent Congress figures, such as Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, have joined the fight for justice.

Mather and CPI(M) MP John Brittas are optimistic that the Home Minister's assurances will facilitate the nuns' release on bail. An All India Congress Committee delegation plans to visit the nuns, hopeful that justice will prevail despite resistance to their bail.

Reporting from Raipur, Congress MP Hibi Eden expressed the delegation's support and the hope that the state government will not contest the bail application. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai insists that legal processes are being followed. On July 27, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India condemned the incident, emphasizing that the nuns had parental approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)