Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 7 : On 25th July 2025, in Chhattisgarh, two Malayali Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeti Mary (Angamaliya) of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi, Thalassery, were stopped and falsely accused while traveling with three girls aged around 18 to 19 years, from Narayanapura, Chhattisgarh. Of the three girls, one was being accompanied for domestic work, while the other two for nursing studies. However, under the leadership of a woman named Jyothi Sharma, the nuns were detained and accused of human trafficking and religious conversion. They were unjustly booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita and laws pertaining to religious conversion, and subsequently imprisoned.
This incident has shocked the community. The innocent nuns’ all charges should be withdrawn and appropriate legal action should be taken on those responsible for such misdeed and justice should be provided, urged Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
In response to this grave injustice, on Monday, 4th August 2025, at 4:00 PM, a massive protest was organized by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh® in front of the Mangalore Mini Vidhana Soudha. The protest witnessed the participation of nearly 6,000 people, cutting across party lines, religious backgrounds, and divisions, united in the name of humanity and justice.
The Catholic Sabha has sent a request letter through the District Commissioner to the Central Government and respected Ministers in charge.
Attendees of this meeting:
1. Santhosh Dsouza – Central President, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
2. Paul Rolphy Dcosta – Public Relation Officer, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
3. Roy Castelino - Public Relation Officer, Mangalore diocese
4. Lawrence Dsouza – Vice president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
5. Wilma Monteiro – General Secretary, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh.
6. Alwyn Dsouza Paneer- Preceding president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
7. Stany Lobo- Ex-president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
8. Alwyn Rodrigues – Assistant Secretary , Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
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