The Jharkhand High Court has acquitted Sister Concilia and two co-accused in the 2018 Ranchi child trafficking case, bringing an end to nearly eight years of legal proceedings.
The case began after allegations that a 14-day-old baby had been sold for ₹50,000 from a Missionaries of Charity shelter home in Ranchi. Sister Concilia was arrested and spent three years in prison before being granted bail. The allegations received wide public attention and affected the congregation’s charitable work.
Following the arrests, another Missionaries of Charity home in Hinoo, which cared for 24 infants, was closed by the authorities. Several other institutions run by the congregation in Jharkhand also reportedly faced investigations and difficulties.
Reacting to the judgment, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas described the verdict as a victory for truth, faith, and perseverance. He said the legal battle had been long and challenging, recalling that it took three years just to secure bail for Sister Concilia.
The bishop thanked God and expressed gratitude to the lawyers, members of the legal team, the sisters of the congregation, and many well-wishers who supported the case throughout the years. He also acknowledged the leadership of Sister Prema and Sister Joseph for guiding the congregation during the difficult period. Church leaders welcomed the High Court’s decision, saying it restores confidence in the Missionaries of Charity and recognizes the congregation’s long-standing commitment to serving the poor, abandoned, and vulnerable. For Sister Concilia, the verdict marks the end of a painful chapter and a reaffirmation of justice after years of suffering.
