Meghalaya Minister urges Chhattisgarh CM to release arrested Kerala nuns

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Senior BJP legislator and Meghalaya Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek has issued a strong appeal to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, demanding the immediate release of two Catholic nuns from Kerala who were arrested under controversial circumstances in drug.

In a letter addressed to the Chhattisgarh CM, Hek expressed deep concern over the arrests, stating: “With a deep sense of concern, I humbly request you and your good office for the immediate release of the said nuns and to take appropriate steps to interrogate the causes and ground effect of the matter. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the Church is not involved in any forceful conversion but provides invaluable services to all humanity.”

The two nuns, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis—members of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI)—were arrested on July 25, 2025, by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Durg Railway Station. They were detained along with a young man while accompanying three women aged between 18 and 19 from Narayanpur district.

Authorities have charged them under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, alleging human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The FIR was reportedly lodged by members of the Bajrang Dal. According to sources, Hek also spoke to CM Sai over the phone and received verbal assurance that the detained nuns would be released soon. While Hek avoided naming any group directly, he stated that “individuals responsible must be held accountable.”

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