PILGRIM ECHOES EXCLUSIVE - new development in the Chattisgarh Nuns Case
PILGRIM ECHOES EXCLUSIVE
“I Went Willingly, We Follow Christ Freely” – Tribal Girl From Narayanpur Speaks Out
Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh – August 2, 2025
In a compelling video testimony now surfacing online, a young tribal girl from Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, has denied all allegations of forced conversion or human trafficking, asserting that she and her family follow Jesus Christ by their own free will, and that her journey with two Kerala-based nuns was entirely voluntary.
The case, which drew national attention after the arrest of two Catholic nuns and a Christian youth named Sukhman Mandavi at Durg Railway Station, is now being seen in a very different light following the girl’s bold statement.
Key Testimony Highlights:
• The tribal girl, who has now been identified as Kamleshwari Pradhan, told NDTV in an exclusive interview that she left her home willingly to pursue work at a hospital in Agra, accompanied by two nuns and her local contact, Sukhman Mandavi, who had arranged the opportunity.
• She said:
“We are Christians. Our family follows Christ out of our own conviction, and we wanted to work and help others. The nuns are innocent. They never forced or lured me.”
• She strongly denied the narrative of abduction or coercion, adding that her parents had given written permission, and the entire plan was communicated openly with the family.
• Shockingly, she alleged that Jyoti Sharma, a member of the Bajrang Dal, slapped her and threatened her to give a false statement accusing the nuns.
“Jyoti Sharma hit me twice, told me to say I was being taken forcefully. She said if I didn’t say what they wanted, they would arrest my whole family.”
Background:
On July 25, police at Durg Railway Station arrested Sister Preeti Mary, Sister Vandana Francis, and Sukhman Mandavi under sections of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on accusations that they were transporting tribal girls for forced religious conversion.
However, the new testimony reveals that:
• The girls had been Christians for several years and were not new converts.
• There was no monetary inducement or religious pressure.
• The journey was to start a nursing job in a charitable Christian hospital in Agra.
Allegations of Coercion and Police Negligence:
Kamleshwari told NDTV that at the police station, her statement was not recorded properly, and that she was surrounded by people from the Bajrang Dal who intimidated her.
She added:
“The police didn’t even listen to me. They only wrote what others said. I was not allowed to speak freely.”
Her family confirmed the same and submitted written statements denying the claim of forced conversion or trafficking.
National and Legal Fallout:
• The arrest led to widespread protests in Kerala, with Christian leaders and opposition MPs condemning what they described as the targeting of minorities and suppression of religious freedom.
• NDTV reported that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded the immediate release of the nuns and called the case a gross misuse of power and law.
• Christian organizations, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), have demanded an independent investigation into the matter, especially the role of radical groups influencing law enforcement.
Conclusion:
This case exposes the fragile line between law and mob pressure when it comes to issues of faith, particularly among tribal Christians in central India. Kamleshwari’s statement is a bold stand for truth, and a reminder of the constitutional right to choose one’s faith.
As the case develops, Pilgrim Echoes will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and bring updates on the status of the arrested individuals.
🕊️ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.– Matthew 5:10
Reported by Pilgrim Echoes
Source: NDTV India News
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