Tension Erupts at Elohim Global Worship Centre as Protesters Demand Access Amid Physical Assault Probe

Pathanamthitta: Tension flared between police and protesters at the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Omallur after a section of people gathered demanding that prayer facilities be allowed at the centre on Sunday morning. The demonstration came in the wake of a police case registered over a complaint that staff at the institution had physically assaulted children residing there.

The situation worsened when activists of an Action Council, who had also gathered at the spot, declared that the centre's activities would not be permitted to continue. Police subsequently asked the protesters to disperse in order to defuse the tension. Meanwhile, Pastor Binu Vazhamuttam, the owner of Elohim Global, who is being sought by police, shared a video on Facebook claiming that no problems had occurred at the institution until now, that anyone found guilty would be punished, and that the centre is run by recruited staff.

Three staff members, including the manager, were arrested by Elavumthitta police in connection with the assault on children housed at the centre. Those arrested on Saturday were identified as manager Reji Solomon (42), Benny Babu (38), and Sijo Kunjumon (34.

The assault on the children took place at the centre, owned by Pastor Binu Vazhamuttam, at Vettolimala. The investigation began after Kattappana police received a complaint that a 17-year-old from Ambalamedu, Idukki, had been brutally physically assaulted. This was followed by another complaint regarding the assault of a 15-year-old from Erumeli. Staff had allegedly beaten the children on suspicion of theft. A subsequent inspection of the institution by Child Welfare Department officials revealed that staff routinely assaulted other inmates as well.

The accused, who had been in hiding for several days following the incident, were apprehended on Saturday by a police team led by Elavumthitta Circle Inspector Aneesh Kareem and Sub-Inspector Unnikrishnan. The arrested accused will be produced before the magistrate on Sunday.