Tense scenes at Kerala prayer hall after teen alleges abuse; BJP stages protest
Tension prevailed outside a prayer hall in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district on Sunday after BJP workers staged a protest over allegations that staff members of a
Tension prevailed outside a prayer hall in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district on Sunday after BJP workers staged a protest over allegations that staff members of a facility linked to a pastor-run Christian organisation had assaulted a 17-year-old boy. The prayer meeting had been organised by the Elohim Global Worship Centre at Omallur. As both groups gathered outside the hall, police faced difficulty in controlling the situation. Believers who arrived for the meeting stood outside holding Bibles and demanded that they be allowed to enter and conduct worship. They were later allowed into the premises and the prayers went ahead.
Read Full Story The protest came amid a police investigation into allegations that staff members of the Elohim Global Worship Centre had assaulted the teenager, who had been staying there. Officials said a preliminary inquiry by the Child Welfare Committee had found indications that other children housed at the centre may also have faced similar treatment. Police on Saturday arrested three people in connection with the case. They were identified as Reji, the institution's manager, and employees Benny and Siju. According to police, the boy, a native of Anakkara in Idukki district, had been staying at the centre for the past few months after being promised support for his education and future employment because of his family's financial difficulties.
Investigators alleged that he was not given educational support and was instead made to work at the institution. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The protesters, including BJP women activists, said they were not opposing religious worship but were agitating against alleged exploitation and cruelty being carried out under the guise of religious activities. BJP workers also alleged that vulnerable people were being brought to facilities such as old-age homes and other institutions linked to the organisation for financial gain.
Supporters of the worship centre rejected the allegations and said religious activities should not be obstructed. Overall, the day saw a tense stand-off outside the prayer hall even as the police investigation into the alleged assault continued. Ends
The BriefWire