Investigation Uncovers Systemic Child Abuse at Kerala Worship Centre Facility
A probe into a Kerala worship centre has revealed systemic child abuse, forced labor, and illegal housing. The facility has been shut down, and police are investigating allegations involving multiple victims lured by false promises of education and support for their families.
Highlights
- •CWC inquiry confirms systemic abuse of children at Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta.
- •Staff members face charges under the Juvenile Justice Act for assault and forced labor.
- •Victims were lured from poor families with false promises of education and employment.
- •Authorities are actively tracking missing individuals connected to the facility's illegal operations.
Authorities in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, have uncovered disturbing evidence of child abuse following a preliminary investigation into a local worship centre. The probe was initiated by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) after a case was registered against staff members accused of assaulting a 17-year-old boy. Initial findings suggest that other children residing at the facility were subjected to similar forms of mistreatment and exploitation.
The incident came to light on June 17, when the Kattappana Police in Idukki district filed a formal case against three staff members of the Elohim Global Worship Centre. The victim, a teenager from Anakkara, had been staying at the institution under the promise of educational support and future job prospects, a tactic reportedly used to attract children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The investigation has since been transferred to the Elavumthitta Police Station for deeper scrutiny.
Investigation Reveals Systematic Exploitation of Minors
Following the emergence of these allegations, the CWC took decisive action, leading to the closure of the Elohim Global Worship Centre. Leena K Subash, the CWC Chairperson, disclosed that interviews with individuals connected to the facility revealed multiple instances of child abuse and illegal accommodation. During the process, officials successfully rescued a child who was being housed at the premises without legal authorization.
The scope of the investigation is widening as authorities attempt to locate other individuals, including a mother and child, who were reportedly staying at the center. Medical examinations conducted on one of the rescued victims have confirmed the presence of injuries, supporting the testimonies provided by the children regarding physical assault. Furthermore, investigators have uncovered reports that the minors were coerced into performing labor at the facility without compensation.
Legal proceedings are currently underway under the strict provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of the affected children while holding the perpetrators accountable for these grave violations of child welfare standards. As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the operations that allowed such systemic child abuse to occur under the guise of charitable support.
