Shillong, August 01: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma has sent letter to his counterpart Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai to bring to his attention on the incident involving two nuns from Kerala, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethy Mary, who work at Fatima Hospital in Agra.
On July 26, 2025, they were detained by the Chhattisgarh police at Durg Railway Station under allegedly false charges and pressure from right-wing groups. The situation arose when the nuns were accompanying three girls from Chhattisgarh to Agra.
A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) questioned the girls, who stated they didn’t have tickets and were traveling at the nuns’ request. The TTE alerted local activists, who then alleged the nuns were attempting to take the girls for forced religious conversion.
This claim sparked a protest, and the police detained the nuns and girls based on the activists’ complaint. A case has been lodged against the nuns under serious sections. We believe that this is a case of harassment and false allegations.
Meghalaya Chief Minister urged his counterpart to intervene and ensure justice. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has also requested the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Union Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah to intervene in this matter.
The Chief Ministert of Meghalaya seek his counterparty cooperation and support to ensure a fair investigation into the matter, Safeguard the rights of religious minorities in Chhattisgarh and to Consider revoking the case lodged against the nuns.
“We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and religious freedom. Said Mr. Conrad K Sangma on his letter to his counter part Chief minister of Chhattisgarh”.
