BELAGAVI, 30 JULY 

The Archdiocese of Bangalore strongly condemned the arrest and alleged assault of two Catholic Religious Sisters at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh, on 25 July. The nuns were reportedly detained while accompanying three girls, all of whom were travelling with written parental consent.

Archbishop Peter Machado, in a statement, expressed “deep anguish and shock” at what he called a “grave injustice” and a “shameful disregard” for the service Catholic Sisters provide in education, healthcare, and social work.

What added to the concern, according to the Archbishop, was the late addition of charges under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968—raising fears of legal manipulation driven by communal bias. He also criticised the law enforcement agencies for allegedly denying parents access to their daughters and for failing in their duty to act impartially.

The Archbishop has warned that if right-wing elements are allowed to act with impunity, it will erode the very foundations of India’s democracy.

He appealed to the Prime Minister and the Chhattisgarh Government to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the Sisters and young women, take action against those who filed false complaints, and hold police officials accountable for their inaction and bias. “In a nation that claims to empower girls through Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, the mistreatment of women from minority communities speaks volumes,” said Archbishop Machado.

Meanwhile, the clergy and faithful across the State have also condemned the arrests and have raised concerns and expressed fear about the very existence of the clergy and nuns who are rendering yeoman humanitarian services.