This Kerala case is honestly disturbing ah,because it is about children and vulnerable people who were supposed to be safe inside care-type institution,but allegations coming out are very serious .
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Pathanamthitta,Kerala has started inquiry into Elohim Global Worship Centre in Omallur after a 17-year-old boy reportedly spoke about child abuse there . He alleged physical assault and forced labor during his stay at institution.
And this whole matter came out after boy returned home and reported abuses to Childline . After that,authorities moved quickly and CWC has now rescued three children from centre.
Out of these three children,two have been shifted back to their native districts . At same time,a woman in her thirties and her infant daughter are also under protective care right now.
Leena Subash,chairperson of the Pathanamthitta CWC,said they are also searching for another mother-child pair who were reportedly shifted to residence of institution's owner . That part itself sounds very worrying,because why were they moved there in first place…
Few things standing out in this case:
- Rescued inmates have reported strenuous labor without pay and mistreatment.
- Police have filed charges against institution's manager and staff for offenses related to child abuse.
- Authorities are trying to interact with remaining inmates to understand full extent of situation.
And tbh,the allegations are not small at all . Reports say inmates were allegedly denied proper food and medical care,and former employee has also come forward claiming both children and elderly residents faced physical abuse.
This is where things become bigger than one complaint only . If even half of these claims are proven,it points to serious failure in monitoring places where children,women and elderly people depend completely on others for safety.
The CWC is now stressing safety and rights of people living in such facilities,but question is how long these things were going on before one 17-year-old boy managed to speak out . And how many others are still waiting to be heard…