Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, July 30: The Catholic Dioceses of Mangalore and Udupi have jointly expressed deep anguish and unequivocal condemnation over the alleged unlawful detention and harassment of two Catholic religious Sisters at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh, on July 25.

The incident, reportedly instigated by members of a right-wing outfit, has been termed a grave violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and civil liberties.

The Sisters, along with a third person, were accompanying three young women — legally adults — travelling with full knowledge and written consent of their parents. Despite this, they were reportedly detained and physically assaulted. Alarmingly, the police allegedly prevented the parents from meeting their daughters upon arrival at the station.

Of particular concern is the retrospective addition of charges under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, which was not part of the original FIR. Both dioceses questioned the apparent procedural manipulation and misuse of anti-conversion laws, warning of the dangerous precedent such actions set.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Mangalore, it was said: “This incident is not just a violation of the law—it is an assault on the values of peace, unity, and mutual respect that India has long cherished. The misuse of law and force under mob pressure seriously undermines Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom.”

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, also condemned the incident in strong terms: “The Sisters, who have devoted their lives to education, healthcare, and social service, deserve protection and dignity—not public harassment and abuse. It is disturbing that those tasked with upholding justice appeared to have caved in to sectarian pressure.”

He further added: “In a nation that promotes ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, the increasing vulnerability of women—particularly from minority communities—is unacceptable. When law enforcement fails to act impartially, the very foundations of our democracy are shaken.”

Calling the incident an affront to democratic values and human dignity, both dioceses issued a joint appeal for urgent action:

• Immediate and unconditional release of the two detained religious Sisters and the three accompanying young women

• A judicial inquiry into the incident, including the conduct of police officials and those involved in the mob action

• Firm legal action against those misusing anti-conversion laws to incite fear and communal tension

• Accountability for police personnel who failed in their constitutional duty to protect innocent citizens

• A formal assurance from the Chhattisgarh state government to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of religious minorities

The Dioceses of Mangalore and Udupi called upon civil society, interfaith leaders, human rights organisations, and concerned citizens to stand against such acts of injustice and uphold the secular and democratic spirit of the nation.

“May truth prevail over falsehood, and may our country remain a land where freedom of conscience, human dignity, and communal harmony are not only safeguarded but celebrated,” the joint statement concluded.