Controversy Erupts Over Arrest of Kerala Nuns in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma ignited controversy on Friday by questioning Congress's motives behind their protests following the arrest of two Kerala nuns on charges of forced religious conversion and human trafficking. Sharma, in conversation with ANI, dismissed accusations that political motives were at play.

Sharma pondered aloud if the protests aimed at exerting undue pressure on the judiciary. He emphasized that the arrest followed due police procedure, and decisions on bail rested solely with the court. The arrest occurred at Durg Railway Station on July 25.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India emphatically denounced the arrests, alleging that the nuns had parental consent and faced physical assault post-arrest. This sentiment echoed in Kerala, with political factions across the spectrum denouncing the actions as undermining religious freedom, while Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Jebi Mather called it gross injustice.

(With inputs from agencies.)