A case related to human trafficking and forced religious conversion has surfaced from Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh. Police have arrested three women, including two nuns, in connection with this matter. The women are accused of trying to take three tribal girls to Uttar Pradesh under the guise of providing them with jobs.
The arrested women have been identified as Sukman Mandavi, Nun Preeti Mary, and Vandana Francis. Reportedly, they brought the girls from Narayanpur district to Durg station, from where they were to be taken to Agra. The matter came to light when a local Bajrang Dal official filed a complaint with the police on July 26. The complaint alleged that there was a plan to forcibly convert the girls and send them abroad.
Action Under Legal Provisions
Police have registered a case against the three women under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act and the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). During the investigation, the girls stated in their statements that they were going to Agra with the nuns in search of employment. They also stated that Sukman Mandavi had brought them to Durg Railway Station, from where their journey was to begin.
The girls have been placed in a safe location for the time being, and their families have been informed. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the entire matter and are trying to determine if it is part of a larger human trafficking racket.
Kerala CM Seeks Intervention from the Center
In this case, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought intervention from the central government. He has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter to ensure justice for the two nuns. A statement released by the Chief Minister's office stated that there is an atmosphere of concern in Kerala regarding this incident. Vijayan expressed hope that the central government will conduct a fair and transparent investigation and take necessary steps, considering the seriousness of the matter.
Following this incident, the Chhattisgarh police have clarified that if necessary, coordination will be established with agencies from other states for the investigation. Currently, the process of questioning and investigation is ongoing.
