Archdiocese of Bangalore Condemns Arrest and Assault of Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh

Bangalore, July 29, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Bangalore has strongly condemned the alleged wrongful detention and assault of two Catholic nuns at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh, on 25 July 2025.

In an official statement, the Archdiocese expressed deep anguish and shock over the incident, stating that the Sisters were accompanying three young women — all above 18 — who were travelling with the full knowledge and written consent of their parents. Despite this, the group was reportedly harassed and arrested, allegedly at the instigation of communal elements.

The Archdiocese also raised serious concern over the police's unlawful denial of access to the girls’ parents when they arrived at the station. Further, it criticised the addition of charges under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 — not mentioned in the original FIR — calling it a clear case of legal manipulation.

“What is deeply baffling and painful,” the statement said, “is the utter insensitivity and dereliction of duty by law enforcement authorities, who appear either intimidated by or complicit with right-wing elements.”

The Archdiocese emphasised the well-documented contributions of Catholic Religious Sisters to education, healthcare, and social welfare across India. Subjecting them to public humiliation and arbitrary detention, it said, was a grave injustice and a betrayal of their service to the nation.

Criticising the current climate of fear for women, particularly from minority communities, the Archdiocese pointed out the contradiction in the government's “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” slogan. “The rising insecurity faced by women exposes the hollowness of such slogans,” the statement added.

The Archdiocese issued an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister of India and the Chhattisgarh state government to:

• Ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the two Sisters and the three young women;
• Initiate legal action against those responsible for false and misleading complaints;
• Hold accountable the police personnel who failed in their duty to act impartially.

Concluding the statement, the Archdiocese called for the upholding of justice, truth, peace, and harmony across the nation, warning that impunity for extremist elements threatens the very foundation of Indian democracy.

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