Published by Aloto Naga | August 2, 2025
The Chhattisgarh NIA Court has granted bail to three Christian missionaries, including two nuns, in a viral religious conversion case that has triggered nationwide outrage and drawn global attention. The accused were arrested at Durg Railway Station on July 23 and initially denied bail twice before the NIA court intervened in what many are calling a landmark ruling on the misuse of religious freedom laws.
The missionaries Sister Preeti Mary, Sister Vandana Francis, and Brother Sukman Mandavi were booked under the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Authorities, acting on a complaint filed by a Bajrang Dal activist, claimed the trio was attempting to forcibly convert three tribal women from Narayanpur district and transport them to Kerala under false pretences. Also Read NPYF Nagaland Condemns Detention of Kerala Nuns in Chhattisgarh
Two Bail Rejections Before NIA Court Relief
The case initially moved through the Magistrate Court (July 29) and Sessions Court (July 30), both of which rejected bail citing jurisdictional limits over central laws. It was only when the case was referred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Bilaspur that the defense’s arguments were finally heard in full.
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On August 2, the NIA court granted bail to all three, highlighting the lack of credible evidence, contradictory witness statements, and procedural irregularities in the initial investigation.
Viral Case Sparks Debate on Religious Freedom in Chhattisgarh
The arrest of the Christian nuns has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups, religious organizations, and political leaders. Many have alleged a pattern of misuse of anti-conversion laws in tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, where Christians and other minorities face increasing scrutiny.
Relatives of the women involved have confirmed that the missionaries were simply helping them travel for job opportunities in Kerala, not forcing them into religious conversion.
Legal Team and Family Reaction
Following the court ruling, family members expressed both relief and vindication.
“Truth prevailed after two courts rejected justice. This NIA court ruling has restored some faith in the system,” said a relative of one of the accused.
Defense lawyers have called the arrests “politically charged” and announced plans to challenge the FIR itself in the next hearing if evidence remains insufficient.
Next Hearing Expected Soon
While the accused have been released on bail, the legal case remains ongoing. The NIA is yet to confirm whether it will appeal the bail or file additional charges. The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, where both sides are expected to present further arguments.
This case continues to act as a litmus test for how India’s religious freedom laws are interpreted, especially in states like Chhattisgarh, where tribal communities and missionaries often find themselves caught in politically sensitive crossfires.
