What Led to the Arrest of Two Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh? Rahul Gandhi Speaks Out!

Controversy Surrounds Arrest of Nuns in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of orchestrating a systematic campaign against minorities, following the arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh. He asserted that their detention was a direct result of their faith and called for their immediate release.

Gandhi emphasized that religious freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and demanded accountability for the actions taken against the nuns.

Earlier that day, members of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, protested in the Parliament House complex, advocating for the nuns' release.

The nuns, along with another individual, were apprehended on July 25 at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, facing allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, according to a Government Railway Police (GRP) official.

This action was initiated following a complaint from a local Bajrang Dal member, who accused the group of attempting to convert three girls from Narayanpur and trafficking them.

In a post on X, Gandhi stated, “The jailing of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh for their faith is not justice; it represents BJP-RSS mob rule. This reflects a troubling trend of systematic persecution of minorities under this regime.”

He added, “UDF MPs protested in Parliament today. We will not remain silent. Religious freedom is a constitutional right. We demand their immediate release and accountability for this injustice.”

Two Catholic nuns jailed in Chhattisgarh after being targeted for their faith - this isn’t justice, it’s BJP-RSS mob rule.

It reflects a dangerous pattern: systematic persecution of minorities under this regime.

UDF MPs protested in Parliament today. We will not be silent.… https://t.co/as67WaLmdV

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 28, 2025

In the Parliament complex, UDF MPs, including Venugopal, RSP’s N K Premachandran, and IUML’s E T Mohammed Basheer, gathered at the Makar Dwar steps to protest before the day's proceedings. They displayed posters reading ‘Stop attacks on minorities’ and called for action against those responsible for the nuns' arrest.

Venugopal remarked on X, “UDF MPs staged a strong protest outside Parliament today against the shocking arrest and harassment of Catholic nuns in Durg, Chhattisgarh. They were targeted by a violent mob despite no wrongdoing.”

He further criticized the BJP-RSS alliance, stating that minorities are treated as criminals, and highlighted the collusion between Bajrang Dal members and police in Chhattisgarh, revealing the BJP's true stance towards religious minorities.

Venugopal demanded justice for the innocent nuns and their immediate release, accusing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of inciting hatred against minorities.

He stated, “If anyone had any doubts – it is not the ‘fringe’ but a BJP CM himself spreading hatred against minorities. Instead of arresting the Bajrang Dal members, the Chhattisgarh CM is endorsing them and insulting the innocent nuns who were engaged in social work.”

Venugopal warned that this situation serves as a caution for all communities misled by the BJP's promises of support and welfare, asserting that they will be targeted if they do not align with the party's agenda.

In response, Chief Minister Sai claimed that the three girls from Narayanpur were promised nursing training and jobs, and were handed over to the nuns at Durg station by an individual from Narayanpur, who was allegedly taking them to Agra.

Sai described the situation as a serious matter concerning women's safety, asserting that the investigation is ongoing and the law will take its course.

The Congress party in Kerala has vocally condemned the BJP and the Sangh Parivar regarding the nuns' arrest, with Venugopal and Kerala Assembly Opposition Leader V D Satheesan labeling it as a recent example of attacks on minorities in BJP-ruled states.

Venugopal noted that incidents of violence against minorities have surged in BJP-governed regions, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, and criticized the tacit support for such hate crimes from the ruling party.

He has also reached out to the Union Home Minister and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, demanding strict action against the perpetrators and emphasizing the need to uphold the Constitution to protect the fundamental rights of minorities.