CWC probe finds multiple children ‘abused’ at Kerala’s Pathanamthitta worship center

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A preliminary investigation by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) into allegations that staff at a Christian worship center assaulted a 17-year-old boy has found that other children housed there had similar experiences, officials said on Saturday (Jun 20, 2026).

The CWC, which started an investigation after a police case was registered, found indications that more children staying at the center were allegedly subjected to abuse and exploitation.

A case was first registered on June 17 by Kattappana police in Idukki district against three employees of Elohim Global Worship Centre, Pathanamthitta, for allegedly assaulting a boy, a native of Anakkara.

The boy was staying at a center that promised to support his education and later help him find a job in view of his family’s financial difficulties.

The case was subsequently handed over to Elavumthitta police station in Pathanamthitta district for further investigation.

Following the development, the Pathanamthitta CWC has also initiated an inquiry into the incident.

Center closed

CWC Chairperson Leena K. Subash told reporters that the worship center was closed after the allegations surfaced.

However, the committee dealt with several people who were staying at the center, where there were also elderly people.

“We recorded the statement of the person who lived there. We also rescued a child who was accommodated there illegally. We learned that several people were accommodated there without proper authorization,” she said.

Ms. Subash said three children stayed at the worship center.

“We have information that a mother and child were also staying there. They need to be found,” she said.

According to her, a medical examination of one of the rescued children revealed an injury.

“The children said they were assaulted. They also said they were forced to work at the center without being paid,” she said.

A police investigation found that children from financially poor families were accommodated at the center on the promise of support in education and help in securing employment.

According to police, the 17-year-old boy from Anakkara had been staying at the center for the past few months.

He was reportedly given no support to further his education and was forced to work there instead.

The police have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 09:52 IST