A high-profile arrest involving two Kerala nuns has ignited a political firestorm across India, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai urging leaders not to politicize what he calls a serious issue of women's safety.

Sisters Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, along with a third individual, Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested at Durg railway station on July 25. A complaint from a Bajrang Dal functionary alleged that they were attempting to traffick and convert three young girls from Narayanpur under the guise of offering them nursing training and jobs in Agra.

In a strongly worded post on X, CM Sai said, “An attempt was being made to convert them by human trafficking by luring them. This is a serious matter.” He added that the investigation is ongoing, the case is sub-judice, and emphasized that Chhattisgarh is a “peace-loving state.”

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The incident has triggered outrage in Kerala, where both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) accused the BJP government of targeting minorities. LDF and UDF leaders visited the families of the arrested nuns, calling the action a “blatant misuse of the law.”

CPI(M) MP John Brittas demanded their release and wrote to CM Sai expressing “deep concern.” Meanwhile, the BJP's Kerala unit announced plans to send a delegation to Chhattisgarh to assess the situation.

The case remains under investigation, but it has already become a national flashpoint — combining religion, politics, and the sensitive issue of women’s safety.

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