CRI Condemns Detention of Two Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi, July 30, 2025: The Conference of Religious India (CRI) issued a press statement on 30 July 2025, condemning the unlawful detention of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh and expressing deep pain and anguish over the denial of constitutional rights and freedoms to certain sections of society.

In the statement, CRI highlighted the increasing violation of rights, particularly targeting the poor, vulnerable, minorities, and the marginalised—especially the Adivasis and Dalits. It noted that Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are being systematically negated, with a significant number of Indian citizens on the verge of being disenfranchised, especially in Bihar.

CRI reported that the recent incident involving the unlawful arrest of two Catholic nuns—Sr. Preeti Mary and Sr. Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI)—was part of a larger pattern of hate crimes and minority targeting, including attacks on Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs. The two nuns were arrested on 26 July 2025 at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, along with Mr. Sukhman Mandavi, a resident of Narayanpur. They were accompanying three young women, aged around 18 to 19 years, travelling to be employed in a convent in Agra.

Authorities charged the detained individuals under Section 143 (human trafficking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Section 4 (unlawful religious conversion) of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act 1968. CRI firmly stated that these charges are “completely false and fabricated.”

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn these unwarranted and illegal arrests,” the statement read.

CRI placed the following demands:

The immediate and unconditional release of the two nuns and Mr. Mandavi, along with the withdrawal of all charges against them;
Legal action and charge-sheeting of all those involved in the incident, including Bajrang Dal activists and police personnel;
Assurance from the Central and State Governments to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, especially minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

CRI Condemns Detention of Two Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh

Latest News