Kerala Worship Centre Abuse Case Takes Serious Turn After CWC Findings

A police investigation into the alleged assault of a teenage boy at a Christian worship centre in Kerala has expanded into a wider probe after a preliminary inquiry by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) found indications that other children may also have been subjected to abuse and exploitation. The developments have raised serious questions about the functioning of the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta district and the treatment of vulnerable children housed there.

The case was initially registered on June 17 by Kattappana Police in Idukki district after a complaint from a 17-year-old boy from Anakkara , who had been staying at the centre. According to investigators, the boy was admitted after being promised educational support and future employment assistance because of his family's financial difficulties. However, police allege that he was neither provided opportunities to continue his education nor given the support promised. Instead, he was allegedly forced to work at the institution.

Following the registration of the case, the investigation was transferred to Elavumthitta Police Station in Pathanamthitta. Police booked the accused under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 , and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) . Officials have since added further charges and informed the concerned court.

On Saturday, police arrested three accused - Reji , the institution's manager, and employees Benny and Siju . According to investigators, the trio went into hiding after the case was filed but were later traced across different parts of Pathanamthitta district with the help of cyber police.

Meanwhile, the Pathanamthitta CWC launched a parallel inquiry into the institution. CWC Chairperson Leena K. Subash said the worship centre has been closed following the allegations. During the inquiry, officials rescued a child who was allegedly being housed at the facility without authorization and found that several individuals, including children and elderly residents, had been accommodated there improperly.

The committee also recorded statements from former residents. A medical examination reportedly revealed injuries on one rescued child. According to the children's statements, they were allegedly subjected to physical assault , forced to perform work without wages, and denied proper care. Authorities are also attempting to trace a woman and child believed to have stayed at the centre.

Investigators suspect that children from economically vulnerable families were brought to the institution through promises of education and job assistance. The case has now evolved beyond a single assault complaint into a broader investigation into child abuse, illegal accommodation of minors, forced labour allegations, and institutional accountability . While no substantive court hearings have taken place so far, officials say the probe could widen further if additional victims are identified.