BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday described the arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh as a “misunderstanding,” assuring they would soon be granted bail. The two nuns, accused of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, were taken into custody on July 25 at Durg railway station based on a complaint from a Bajrang Dal member.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), Chandrasekhar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that the state will not oppose their bail applications. “It is a judicial process. Let it happen. But don’t politicise this issue — we’re only trying to help,” he stated.

The BJP leader explained that the controversy stemmed from non-compliance with a state regulation in Chhattisgarh requiring women relocating for jobs to register on a government portal. “That was not done. Hence, the misunderstanding and subsequent police action,” he clarified.

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Archbishop Thazhath expressed concern after the meeting, calling the arrests “painful” and urging for the nuns’ immediate release. He also voiced alarm over increasing incidents of hostility toward Christians and appealed for stronger safeguards for the community.

The two nuns — Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis — were detained along with Sukaman Mandavi while escorting three girls from Narayanpur. They were accused of attempting forced conversions, a charge Church leaders strongly deny.

While political and religious tensions rise, all eyes are now on the courts as the bail hearings approach.

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