The case surrounding the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The nuns, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, along with Sukman Mandavi, were apprehended on July 25, 2025, at Durg railway station. They face charges of human trafficking and religious conversion related to three tribal girls from Bastar who were allegedly being taken to Agra under false pretenses.
The girls reported they were offered “nursing jobs” without their families’ knowledge. A diary containing contact information of priests and other potential victims was also found. The case is being investigated under multiple laws. The accused are in custody, and the girls are in a protective center. The court initially denied bail, transferring the case to the NIA court due to the nature of the charges. The incident has triggered strong reactions from political figures and organizations.