Nuns and Candidates detained in Indore Railway Station on Trafficking Suspicion, Released After Intervention

Indore, April 8, 2026: Ten members of the Sisters of the Visitation congregation—eight candidates and two young sisters—were detained and questioned by Railway Police at Indore railway station on April 7 following a suspicion of human trafficking. The group was later released after timely intervention by Church authorities and local contacts, averting what Church officials described as a potentially serious situation.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Bishop Thomas Mathew of Indore said the candidates from Odisha were accompanied by two sisters as they prepared to travel home for the holidays. “As soon as they got down at the station, the police detained them and began interrogation,” he said, adding that authorities had already received information alleging possible human trafficking.

The bishop said the group was able to alert Church authorities and their families during the incident. “Some of the fathers in the diocese, including the procurator, were contacted and they, in turn, reached out to higher railway police officials. The matter was then resolved,” he explained. Despite the intervention and subsequent release, the candidates missed their scheduled train.

Describing the episode as troubling, Bishop Mathew said it reflects a broader atmosphere of suspicion faced by Church members. While the exact source of the complaint remains unclear, he suggested that such incidents point to ongoing challenges. “We can only presume who might have informed the authorities. There are many elements who are often critical of the Church,” he remarked.

He further emphasised that even when innocence is established, such situations can have lasting consequences. “We may be proved innocent later, but the loss of time, money, and peace of mind remains,” he observed.

Referring to the outcome, the bishop noted that “a potential ‘DURG’ was averted,” indicating how the situation might have escalated without prompt intervention.

In a message circulated within the diocese, Bishop Mathew urged clergy and religious to exercise prudence, particularly during travel. He highlighted the importance of awareness, cautioning that movements are often under observation and that additional care is necessary to avoid unnecessary complications.

Expressing relief at the resolution, he added, “By providence, nothing further happened. It could have turned out to be much worse, but we are grateful to God that it was resolved.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter