Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta probed over teen abuse
A worship center in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, is under investigation after reports surfaced that a 17-year-old boy and possibly other children were abused there.
The Elohim Global Worship Centre, now shut down, had also housed elderly residents.
The case kicked off on June 17 and has since grown as more details come to light.
CWC alleges unpaid child labor
According to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), children from struggling families were brought in with promises of education or jobs but were allegedly made to work without pay and faced mistreatment: one child even showed injuries during a medical check.
Police have filed a case under child protection laws and are still investigating.
Officials said CWC Chairperson Leena K Subash said, "We recorded the statement of a person who had been living there. We also rescued a child who was being accommodated there illegally. We have learnt that several people were being housed there without proper authorisation," and "We have information that a mother and child were also staying there. They have to be traced,"