Chhattisgarh CM Defends Arrest of Nuns Amidst Political Controversy

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has publicly condemned attempts to politicize the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala. The nuns, Preethi Mary and Vandana Francis, were detained alongside Sukaman Mandavi at the Durg Railway Station after accusations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion emerged.

According to a complaint by a Bajrang Dal functionary, the nuns attempted to forcefully convert three girls from Narayanpur and allegedly trafficked them with promises of nursing training leading to employment opportunities. The chief minister assured that the case is under judicial review, and the legal process will determine the outcome.

Sai emphasized that Chhattisgarh remains a peaceful state where communities coexist harmoniously. He criticized the opposition's attempts to give the issue a political angle, asserting the seriousness of addressing women's safety. A special NIA court in Bilaspur recently reserved its decision on the bail application for the accused individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)