Young Nun-Nurse Killed in Tragic Road Accident

April 8, 2026: Sr. Velangani Chinnabathina (42), a nurse serving in a hospital administered by the Daughters of the Cross and a national board member of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), died in a road accident near Mehendipara in West Bengal on April 7.

According to information shared by a sister from the province, Sr. Velangani was returning from her workplace when the accident occurred. She was reportedly travelling on her scooter when a truck hit her from behind. The impact of the collision threw her onto the road, and she is believed to have died on the spot.

She was later taken to a nearby hospital, where initial procedures were carried out. A post-mortem examination is expected to take place on April 8.

Sr. Velangani was serving at Karuna Holistic Hospital in Buniadpur and regularly commuted between the hospital and her residence, a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres. The accident occurred along this route.

She belonged to the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception congregation. She joined religious life in 2000 and made her final profession in 2014, dedicating her life to healthcare ministry.

In addition to her service as a nurse, Sr. Velangani held several key responsibilities in the Church’s healthcare network. She served as Regional Health Secretary for the West Bengal Region, Regional Coordinator of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) in West Bengal, and as a National Board Member of CHAI, contributing significantly to the Church’s mission in healthcare across India.

Fr. Shinto, National Secretary for Mental Wellness, described her passing as “a great loss for the Church in India.”

Sr. Velangani’s sudden death has come as a shock to the local Church community and those associated with her ministry in healthcare.

By Catholic Connect Reporter