Kerala UDF leaders meet nuns jailed in conversion case in Chhattisgarh

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the ruling BJP of targeting minorities to polarise voters

Published on: Jul 29, 2025, 18:35:47 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: A delegation of leaders from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala visited the Durg Central Jail on Tuesday to meet two Catholic nuns arrested in connection with an alleged case of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

UDF MPs from Kerala protest over the arrested two nuns in Chhattisgarh, during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in Delhi, on Tuesday. (PTI)

The nuns—Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis— were taken into custody along with Sukaman Mandavi at Durg railway station on July 25, following a complaint lodged by a local Bajrang Dal functionary. The complaint alleged that they were forcibly converting and trafficking three girls from Narayanpur district.

The visiting delegation included Lok Sabha MPs Benny Behanan (Congress), N K Premachandran (Revolutionary Socialist Party), K Francis George (Kerala Congress-Joseph), and Congress MLA Roji M John, along with other Congress leaders from Kerala.

Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Premachandran claimed the nuns were innocent. “We were scheduled to meet them at 12.30 pm, but were initially denied entry because a BJP delegation from Kerala was also present. After their meeting concluded, we were finally allowed in,” he said, adding that the group staged a protest outside the jail over the delay.

Premachandran said the delegation was allowed inside only after former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel intervened. “We had an elaborate discussion with the nuns, and they explained everything to us, though I won’t disclose the details here. But it’s clear—they are innocent,” he said.

He claimed the girls were not being trafficked or converted, but were simply being taken for jobs, and the nuns had arrived at the station to receive them. “That’s when Bajrang Dal members showed up and assaulted them,” he alleged.

Former CM Baghel, who also addressed the media, accused the ruling BJP of targeting minorities to polarise voters.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday condemned the politicisation of the issue. He said the three girls from Narayanpur were promised nursing training and jobs, and were being handed over at Durg station to the nuns, who were allegedly taking them to Agra. “An attempt was being made to convert them,” Sai claimed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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