Search on for mother and child as probe into old-age home in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta deepens

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which conducted an inquiry into allegations of abuse of children at the Elohim Global Worship Centre at Omallur in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, has found indications that more inmates of the institution may have been subjected to exploitation and ill-treatment.

According to Leena Subash, chairperson of the Pathanamthitta CWC, three children have so far been rescued from the centre, two of whom have been shifted to their native districts. A woman in her mid-thirties and her infant daughter, who were also rescued from the institution, are currently under the care of authorities in Pathanamthitta.

“We are also trying to trace another woman and her infant child who had been residing at the centre till recently,” Ms. Subash said.

She said the statement given by the rescued woman confirmed the presence of another mother-child duo at the facility. According to the woman, they were later shifted to the residence of the person who owns the institution.

“The statement also points to inmates being subjected to harsh treatment and compelled to perform strenuous labour without any remuneration. The matter has been brought to the attention of the authorities concerned,” Ms. Subash said.

She added that the CWC had not yet been able to interact with the remaining inmates of the centre, as the facility had been shut down by the time the committee visited the premises.

The inquiry was launched after a 17-year-old boy from Idukki district alleged that he had been subjected to physical assault and forced labour while staying at the institution. The boy, who had reportedly been brought to the centre on the promise of educational support and employment opportunities, informed Childline about the alleged abuse after returning home.

During a subsequent inspection, officials identified another 17-year-old boy from Kottayam residing at the facility. The minor was later rescued and produced before the CWC.

Based on the findings of the inquiry, the police registered a case against the institution’s manager, Reji, and staff members Sijo and Benny under various provisions, including those relating to physical assault, wrongful confinement, child labour and violations of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Meanwhile, a former employee of the centre has come out in the open with further allegations, claiming that not only children but also elderly inmates were subjected to physical abuse. She further alleged that inmates were frequently denied food and medicines on time.