In the latest development of the ongoing case of an alleged conversion racket in Chhattisgarh, a court in the Bilaspur district of the state granted bail to three accused, including two Catholic nuns, on Saturday.
Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis are the two nuns in the centre of this case. They, along with a third person, Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested on July 25 from Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh after a complaint was filed by a member of the Bajrang Dal. The allegations against them include trafficking and forced conversion.
The two nuns hail from Kerala and their arrest led to protests from the Catholic community and even criticism from Communist leader Brinda Karat.
As per the order by the Principal District and Sessions Judge of the NIA Court, the accused will have to surrender their passport, provide a bond of Rs. 50,000 along with two sureties.
The man who filed the complaint specifically accused the three persons of forcefully converting three girls from the Narayanpur district of the state.
Due to its large tribal population, Chhattisgarh has been the centre of intense missionary activity over the decades. While the missionaries have been able to make some inroads and convert some tribals, the majority of the tribals continue to follow their traditional practices and faith.