Kerala Nuns Accused of Human Trafficking and Religious Conversion Granted Bail in Chhattisgarh

Two nuns from Kerala who were arrested earlier in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on charges of human trafficking have been granted bail by a local court; their legal counsel confirmed this news on Saturday. The case was registered under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967.

Advocate Gopa Kumar, representing the nuns, told the media that the human trafficking case was filed under BNS Section 143. He argued that this section was not applicable in their case. As a result, the court has granted bail today. They are now allowed to go outside of India, and a bail bond of Rs 50,000 each needs to be furnished. The bail process would be granted in a few hours.

Court Grants Conditional Bail

An advocate from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is also involved in the case, confirmed that bail was granted with certain conditions. The court ruled that the nuns cannot leave India and must not interfere with the investigation. In total, five conditions were set by the court. The NIA legal team said they had received the court’s order and would review it carefully.

On Friday, a special NIA court in Bilaspur heard the bail plea of three people, including the two nuns. The court postponed its decision until Saturday. The defence lawyers argued that there was no proof of forced religious conversion or human trafficking against the accused. The two nuns were arrested on July 25 at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh while travelling with a group.

Political Leaders React Strongly

Political parties in Kerala, including the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front, criticised the arrest. They accused the BJP-led government in Chhattisgarh of targeting religious minorities and violating religious freedom. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the arrest a serious injustice. Speaking in Delhi, he said the nuns had done nothing illegal. He explained that they were simply helping tribal girls find jobs in the city.

Accusations Called False

Tharoor also said that members of the Bajrang Dal created panic by raising false allegations, leading to the arrest of the nuns. He said this action was unfair and that despite public opposition, the nuns remained in jail for over a week. He added that even though BJP leaders from Kerala promised to visit Chhattisgarh to help secure their release, no progress had been made.