The First Additional Sessions Court of Kunkuri has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Sister Bincy Joseph, the principal of Holy Cross Nursing College, who faces accusations of attempting to forcibly convert a nursing student to Christianity.
The court dismissed the plea on April 11, citing the seriousness of the allegations, as police continue their investigation into the non-bailable case registered against the Kerala-born Catholic nun.
According to police officials in Jashpur district, the case stems from a complaint filed by a final-year nursing student who alleged that Sr. Bincy pressured her to convert to Christianity and subsequently barred her from taking examinations when she refused.
Shashi Mohan Singh, Superintendent of Police, Jashpur, confirmed that authorities would issue summons to Sr. Bincy for questioning. “A case has been registered. We are collecting evidence and proceeding accordingly,” Singh told local media.
The college administration has vehemently denied the accusations, claiming they are “false and baseless” and motivated by academic shortcomings. In a statement released on April 7, Sr. Bincy called the allegations “a calculated attempt to defame the institution and cover up her own academic shortcomings.”
College records indicate the student had attended only 32 percent of required practical sessions, far below the mandatory 80 percent attendance threshold set by the state nursing council. The administration maintains that the student was allowed to sit for theory examinations but could not receive certification for practical exams due to insufficient attendance.
“The student submitted a declaration letter on January 15, 2025, promising to complete pending assignments, which she failed to do despite reminders,” Sr. Bincy stated. Parents had reportedly been informed about the situation before the complaint was filed.
In response to mounting protests following the case registration, the college has filed a counter-complaint alleging that the student threatened college authorities. Father Shyju Thomas, counsel for the administration, confirmed that legal action was being pursued. “We are facing protests in the wake of this complaint. We are proceeding legally,” he said.
Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta of Jashpur Diocese told reporters that the conversion allegations were “fabricated and baseless, just harassment.” He added, “Our institutions serve the community at large, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or language without discrimination.”
Abhinand Xalco, spokesperson for the college and chairperson of the Catholic Society, defended the institution’s reputation, describing it as “known for its academic excellence, not for religious conversion.”
The case has emerged amid growing tensions in Chhattisgarh, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has proposed amendments to strengthen the state’s anti-conversion law. According to Home Minister Vijay Sharma, 27 cases related to illegal conversion have been registered in the state over the past six years, with four cases recorded in 2025 alone.
Christian leaders have expressed concern over increasing incidents targeting religious minorities in the state. According to the United Christian Forum, Chhattisgarh recorded 165 incidents of violence against Christians in 2024, second only to Uttar Pradesh with 209 incidents.
The central Indian state is more than 93 percent Hindu, with Christians making up less than 2 percent of Chhattisgarh’s 30 million people.
Critics argue that conversion accusations have become increasingly common against Christian educational and healthcare institutions. “Conversion allegations are becoming a mantra. Our educational and healthcare work is being viewed through the lens of allurements by the very brigade who is accustomed to purchasing people,” Bishop Kerketta stated.
As investigations continue, the case has sparked debate in Jashpur district, with various social organisations calling for a fair and unbiased investigation.
