PATHANAMTHITTA: Tension prevailed in Omalloor on Sunday as BJP workers staged a protest in front of the Elohim Worship Centre, following allegations of child abuse at an elderly care home run by the religious congregation. The protest came amid mounting scrutiny of the institution by the social justice department and police.
The situation escalated when scores of worshippers arrived to attend Sunday service. As protesters blocked their entry, the worshippers asserted their constitutional right to freedom of worship. They maintained that if any individual had committed wrongdoing, the matter should be dealt with through legal procedures rather than by disrupting a religious service.
With neither side willing to relent, sloganeering ensued and the situation briefly threatened to spiral into a confrontation. Police personnel intervened and escorted worshippers into the prayer hall. Minor scuffles were reported after some protesters entered the compound, prompting further police action to restore order.
The controversy began when the old-age home run by congregation leader Binu Vazhamuttom allegedly lured teenage children with promises of education and secure accommodation and subjected them into labour and physical abuse. Police are probing the circumstances under which the children were admitted to the facility.
Following an inspection, social justice department officials reportedly found serious lapses in the functioning of the institution, including inadequate food for residents and other irregularities. Officials said the recognition of the institution would be cancelled following the reports.
Protesters alleged that institutions operating under the guise of religious activities were being used to exploit vulnerable people and generate financial gains.
Binu denied all allegations, describing them as part of a campaign motivated by personal hostility. He alleged that the Omalloor panchayat president harboured animosity towards him and rejected claims that he had illegally appropriated property.
His wife, Shalu, also defended the institution, claiming that the controversy stemmed from disputes among the children residing there rather than any abuse by staff members.
Meanwhile, the social justice department and the police have intensified their probe. Pastor Binu had earlier been summoned for questioning by department officials but did not appear before them.
‘No licence’
Omalloor panchayat president and BJP leader Athira Mohan said the worship centre had been functioning without a licence from the local body