India: Diocese Condemns Arrest of Two Catholic Nuns in Northern State

The Archdiocese of Bangalore, South India, has issued a strong condemnation following the wrongful arrest and alleged assault of two Catholic religious sisters on July 25, 2025, at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh.

According to a statement released by Archbishop Peter Machado, the sisters were accompanying three young women, each over the age of 18 and traveling with the full consent of their parents, when they were reportedly detained and harassed, allegedly at the instigation of communal elements. The police also prevented the parents from meeting their daughters upon arrival at the station.

The archdiocese expressed grave concern over the misuse of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act. Archbishop Machado criticized the insensitivity and possible complicity of law enforcement officers, calling their actions “a shameful disregard” for justice and the constitutional rights of citizens.

“The services and sacrifices of Catholic Religious Sisters in education, healthcare, and social service are well-respected across India. To subject them to such indignity is a grave injustice,” the archbishop stated.

In light of the incident, the archdiocese has appealed to the Prime Minister of India and the Chhattisgarh State Government to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the sisters and the three young women, take legal action against those who filed false complaints, and hold accountable the police officers who failed in their duty.

The statement concluded with a prayer for justice, peace, and the upholding of harmony in the country.

The unlawful arrest of the two nuns in Chhattisgarh has drawn widespread criticism from Christian leaders across the country.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, former Archbishop of Mumbai, called it an act of aggression against women, stating, “Our women religious were heckled, disrespected, and harassed. This is not the way to treat women. Such incidents tarnish the image of the nation.”

The state of Chhattisgarh is governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has also led India’s central government since 2014. The BJP maintains close ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization known for its ideological influence.

Since the party came to power, promoting a Hindu-first agenda, religious minorities have reported a rise in harassment and discrimination. Across India, incidents targeting Christians and other minority communities have increased, including detentions and arrests over alleged “forced conversions,” as well as attacks on churches and other places of worship.