Amid allegations of assault on minors, high drama at worship centre in Pathanamthitta

Kochi: Following reports that minors who were staying and studying at an institution run by Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta were assaulted, BJP workers staged a protest at the centre located in Omalur.Thereafter, those who came for Sunday worship protested outside the centre claiming that their constitutional right to worship was being curtailed. They were later allowed to worship following police intervention.Elavumthitta police arrested three accused who were staff at the institution on Saturday. They are under judicial custody. The social justice department too is conducting an enquiry based on the allegations against the functioning of the centre.Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom, who runs the centre, said that what he understands was that it was a clash among children, and he cannot reveal more details since the matter is sub judice. He claimed that the reports that he went into hiding were not true. He also alleged a conspiracy behind the incident.BJP activists staged a protest demanding the arrest of the pastor. Those who came to worship couldn’t enter the premises due to the protest. The worshippers demanded that they be allowed to worship and protested, raising Bibles.