Hindu Groups Protest in Kunkuri Over Alleged Religious Conversion by Nursing College Principal

Kunkuri, Chhattisgarh, April 11, 2025 – A protest rally was held on Thursday, April 10, in Kunkuri against Sister Bincy Joseph, the principal of Holy Cross Nursing College, following allegations of forced religious conversion. The rally was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal and drew a crowd of around 500 people. The demonstrators began their march at 4:00 p.m. from Salyatoli Nursery, the National Highway 43 passing through prominent local landmarks including Church Gate, Holy Cross Hospital Gate, and Jai Stambh Chowk, before concluding near the statue of Dilip Singh Judev in Bazardanr. A memorandum demanding the arrest of Sister Bincy Joseph and the derecognition of the college was submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at Jai Stambh Chowk.

The protest stems from a complaint filed by a third-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) student of the college and a resident of Baharatoli, Kunkuri. The student alleged that Sr. Bincy was pressuring her to convert to Christianity.

In response to the allegations, Sister Reema Mathew, the administrator of the college, clarified the institutional stance. According to her, the student in question had failed to meet the minimum attendance requirements set by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), having completed only 32% attendance, well below the required 75%. Additionally, she failed to complete her clinical practical training or attend internal exams in multiple subjects, despite repeated reminders.

The administrator added that the student had given a written undertaking in January 2025, promising to complete the required training but did not fulfil the commitment. She later demanded the principal's signature on her practical file in order to sit for her final examination, which was refused due to non-compliance with academic requirements. In retaliation, the student allegedly confronted the principal on April 1 and issued what was perceived as a verbal threat. Following this, she filed a complaint with the District Collector accusing the principal of forced conversion and called for the closure of the college and its affiliated hospital.

In response to the complaint, the District Collector constituted a six-member fact-finding committee, which visited the college on April 4 to gather information and interview students and staff. Sister Bincy Joseph was summoned for clarification at the SDM office the following day. An FIR was registered against her on April 6, and an official investigation is currently underway.

College authorities maintain that the accusations are baseless and have been made in retaliation for academic disciplinary actions. They expressed concern over the mental stress caused to the principal and the impact on the morale of the faculty and staff. The situation remains tense as the investigation proceeds.

By Rev. Fr. Kanchan Tirkey and Rev. Fr. John Crus Minj