PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Anthony Raju Condemns Harassment of Catholic Nun and Adivasi Minors at Tata Nagar Station, Jharkhand – Calls for Immediate Safeguards for Nuns and Humanitarian Workers
New Delhi, 24 September 2025
Hon’ble Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Chairman of the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS), has strongly condemned the shocking incident at Tata Nagar railway station, Jharkhand, where a Catholic nun and 19 Adivasi minors were detained and interrogated for nearly five hours on mere suspicion of religious conversion, following objections raised by members of Bajrang Dal.
Investigations and Child Helpline officials have already confirmed that there was no merit whatsoever in the allegations. Yet, the nun and the minors were subjected to unnecessary trauma, humiliation, and intimidation.
Statement of Dr. Anthony Raju
“This incident reflects a deeply disturbing trend where women religious workers, especially those engaged in education, social service, and upliftment of downtrodden and tribal communities, are being unfairly targeted under the garb of false accusations. Such harassment not only violates the dignity of the individual but also undermines the very fabric of our democratic and secular society.
We cannot allow groundless allegations and mob-driven actions to dictate the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to service, compassion, and humanitarian work. This is a direct assault on freedom of religion, freedom of movement, and the fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
I demand immediate safeguards for nuns, missionaries, and social workers who serve tirelessly in some of the most underprivileged regions of India. The State must ensure their security and protect them from harassment, intimidation, and communal targeting.
India’s commitment to pluralism, constitutional morality, and human rights must not be reduced to mere words – they must be protected in action.”
Demands by AICHLS
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Immediate accountability for those responsible for harassment and intimidation at Tata Nagar station.
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Clear guidelines and safeguards to ensure that religious workers, especially nuns and women in social service, are not wrongfully detained or harassed without cause.
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Training and sensitization of police and railway authorities to prevent misuse of power under pressure from vigilante groups.
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Strong legal action against those spreading communal hatred and filing false allegations of conversion.
The All India Council of Human Rights calls upon the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Minority Commission, and the Women’s Commission to take suo motu cognizance of this incident and ensure such violations are not repeated.
Issued by:
Office of Hon’ble Dr. Anthony Raju
Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Chairman – All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS)
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