Arrest of Kerala Nuns Sparks National Uproar, Church Demands Justice

The arrested nuns, Sr Vandana Francis and Sr Preeta Mary of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) – a Syro-Malabar congregation headquartered in Cherthala – were detained at the Durg railway station. The two, who serve at Fatima Hospital in Agra, were accompanying three young girls allegedly for domestic work when they were intercepted by unidentified individuals and later taken into custody by the police.

Church Sees Pattern of Persecution

“Most missionaries working across northern India are from Kerala. Incidents like these will have far-reaching implications on clergy and civil society alike,” said Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Faridabad.

Archbishop said the arrests were based on false charges and a clear violation of equality, minority rights, and religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. He warned that such events raise troubling questions about the government’s commitment to women’s safety and the protection of minorities.

The Archbishop also confirmed that the Diocese had reached out to the families of the detained nuns and assured them of full support.

Prayer and Legal Action

In response, the Faridabad Diocese will hold a prayer campaign across all churches, convents, and Christian households on August 3, designated as a special day of prayer for the release of the nuns and peace for the Christian community.

Despite the support, the nuns remain in custody as the Durg district sessions court has refused their bail plea, stating the case must be heard by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Bilaspur. Legal proceedings for the nuns are being coordinated by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and the Raipur Diocese.

“The Church is extending all necessary legal aid,” said Fr. Tom Olikkarott, spokesperson of the Syro-Malabar Church. “This incident is a blatant violation of fundamental rights. It creates fear and insecurity among minorities. The Church firmly opposes all forms of religious extremism—whether by majority or minority communities,” he added.

Political Fallout

The arrest has already sparked a political storm across Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, and Kerala, with Members of Parliament from the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) staging separate protests outside Parliament.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for the BJP, which has been attempting to build bridges with the Christian community ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The arrest risks derailing the party’s outreach efforts, which had seen gains—such as Suresh Gopi’s win from Thrissur in the last Lok Sabha elections, a constituency with a sizable Christian population.

“There has indeed been a visible shift, with more Christians voting for the BJP in the last Lok Sabha polls. But events like these create apprehension and make the community feel unsafe. The Church leadership should take immediate measures and engage with political leaders to ensure the safety of missionaries working in north Indian states,” said Jose Pallipadan of Cherupushpam Mission League, a mission venture of the Syro Malabar Church.

In Delhi, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh blamed “right-wing elements” for orchestrating the arrest. “Ever since the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh, Christian minorities have been facing daily attacks by Bajrang Dal, with the support of the state government,” he alleged.

Senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel also denounced the arrests. “We’ve written to the CM, raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, and issued public statements condemning this.”

Meanwhile, BJP Kerala Vice President Shaun George told Deccan Chronicle that the arrest of the nuns has understandably created apprehensions within the Christian community. “Since the incident occurred in a BJP-ruled state, it is natural for the community to have concerns. The arrest appears to have been the result of a misunderstanding. However, the party has taken immediate and effective follow-up steps and is in active communication with the Chhattisgarh government,” he said.

George added that the BJP will launch outreach efforts to address the concerns of the Christian community and engage with Church leadership to build trust.

Christian Community on Alert

According to political observers, the incident is likely to have electoral implications, particularly as the Christian laity in Kerala and elsewhere remains well-informed and politically conscious. The Church, meanwhile, has reiterated its call for constitutional protection, immediate justice, and systemic safeguards to prevent future incidents.