Chhattisgarh Court Denies Bail: Nuns to Seek Special Jurisdiction

A sessions court in Chhattisgarh's Durg district has ruled that it does not hold jurisdiction over bail applications concerning two nuns arrested for alleged human trafficking and religious conversion. The court has advised that the plea should be presented in a special court for further proceedings.

The nuns, identified as Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were detained by the Government Railway Police at the Durg railway station. Their arrest followed a complaint by a Bajrang Dal member, who accused them of converting three women from Narayanpur's tribal community.

Rajkumar Tiwari, legal representative, confirmed that the bail plea for the nuns was dismissed on grounds of jurisdiction, citing Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The nuns, originally from Kerala, remain in custody at Durg central jail as they prepare to approach a special court.

(With inputs from agencies.)