A special NIA court in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh has granted bail to two Kerala-based nuns and a tribal youth arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The accused, Sisters Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), along with Sukaman Mandavi, were taken into custody on July 25 at Durg railway station following a complaint by a Bajrang Dal member.

The complaint alleged the trio was attempting to traffic and forcibly convert three tribal girls. However, the defense argued that the girls were adults who had voluntarily chosen to travel with the group for employment in Agra. The parents of the girls also confirmed their daughters had been practicing Christianity for years and denied any coercion.

The court granted bail under strict conditions. Each accused must submit a bond of ₹50,000 and provide two sureties. They are also required to surrender their passports.

Earlier, a sessions court in Durg had dismissed their bail plea, stating it lacked jurisdiction under the human trafficking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, directing them instead to the NIA-designated court.

The case has sparked political controversy and public outcry, particularly in Kerala. Leaders from both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Opposition condemned the arrests. CPM MP John Brittas called it “a victory of the Constitution,” while party leader Brinda Karat demanded action against right-wing groups like Bajrang Dal and Hindu Vahini, accusing them of filing false charges.

The BJP also appeared divided over the matter. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and said the Chhattisgarh BJP would not oppose the bail.

With the court granting bail, attention now turns to whether the charges will hold up in court or be challenged further by the defense, which is seeking to have the FIR quashed entirely.

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