P. Wilson MP (DMK) Stands Up for Nuns Arrested in Chhattisgarh Calls It a Grave Injustice
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
In an expanding issue over the arrest of Nuns in Chhattisgarh Mr. Wilson member of Parliament (DMK) –has formally written to the Union Home Ministry demanding the immediate release of two Catholic nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh, calling the detentions arbitrary and unjust. The nuns—Sisters Vandana Francis and Preeti Marry—were taken into custody at Durg Railway Station on July 27, along with a third individual, following allegations of forced religious conversion and human trafficking lodged by a Bajrang Dal functionary.
Mr. Wilson expressed his concern and said that “Shockingly, it was not the enforcement but members of the Bajrang Dal, who first intervened, harassed the group, and allegedly co erced a change in the statement of the one of the women. Even more alarming a train ticket examiner chose to alert the vigilante group rather than the authorities. What followed was not just a mockery of due process, but a chilling demonstration of mob rule replacing rule of law.
The arrests have sparked widespread condemnation, across the nation accusing the BJP-led government of “systematic persecution of minorities.” Wilson described the incident as “mob rule” and demanded accountability for what he called a violation of constitutional rights.
He further submits that “The Chhattisgarh Police have not made any preliminary enquiry into the veracity of the complainant just used the opportunity to arrest and imprison catholic nuns on the basis of false and frivolous complaint which is highly deplorable and condemnable.
Other Members of Parliament representing United Democratic Front (UDF) MPs, including K C Venugopal, N K Premachandran, and E T Mohammed Basheer, staged a protest in Parliament, holding placards that read “Stop attacks on minorities.” They also submitted letters to Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, urging intervention and justice.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin have also condemned the arrests, with Vijayan writing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand transparency and fair proceedings.
The families of the detained women have denied the allegations, stating the women were traveling for job opportunities and were not involved in any illegal activity.
Mr. Wilson further states in his letter that “Despite being entrusted with the vital role of monitoring and safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of India’s minority communities, the National Human Rights Commission for Minorities (NCM) remains severely constrained by its limited statutory framework. Since the retirement of its chairperson in April 2025, the Commission has remained headless, with five member posts lying vacant since December 2024.
Mr. Wilson demands Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah to intervene into the matter and make necessary arrangements for the immediate release of nuns arrested by Chhattisgarh Police and grant the constitutional Status for National Commission for Minorities by bringing relevant amendment in the Constitution of India.
He also urged the Home Minister to fill all the existing vacancies including Chairperson without delay.
