Pathanamthitta: Police in Kerala have registered a case against the manager and two employees of a Christian worship centre following allegations that a 17-year-old boy was subjected to physical abuse after being accused of theft while staying at the facility. 

The case concerns the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Omalloor, Pathanamthitta district, where the teenager had been living for several months after his family was allegedly promised educational support, vocational training and future employment opportunities.

The authorities said the case was initially registered by police in Idukki district based on the boy's statement and will be transferred to Pathanamthitta police, as the alleged offences occurred there.

Promises of education and training

According to investigators, the teenager, who is from Anakkara in Idukki district, was sent to the worship centre earlier this year after his financially struggling family came into contact with the institution through online promotional content.

His family alleged that representatives of the centre assured them that the boy would be able to continue his education while receiving training in areas such as video editing and preparing for future employment. Believing the promises, they allowed him to stay at the facility.

However, the teenager later claimed that the promised educational opportunities never materialised.

Allegations of forced labour and abuse

The boy told police that instead of attending classes or receiving training, he was made to carry out various forms of manual labour at the centre. The tasks allegedly included digging earth, carrying stones and assisting with the care of elderly residents living at the facility.

According to the complaint, he repeatedly questioned why he was not being provided the education and training that had been promised to him.

The teenager alleged that tensions escalated on June 11, when he was accused of involvement in theft incidents at the centre. He claimed staff members then tied him up, gagged him and assaulted him with a cane and other objects.

He told investigators that he suffered injuries to his hands, legs and other parts of his body, leaving visible wounds.

Family removes teenager from centre

Police said the boy's family travelled to the centre on June 12 after he requested to return home. After leaving the facility, he informed his mother about the alleged abuse and the conditions he had been living under.

The family subsequently sought medical treatment for him, and his statement was recorded after he was discharged from hospital.

Officials said the teenager's allegations include claims that he had effectively been prevented from pursuing his studies and had instead been used for work at the institution.

Criminal case registered

Based on the boy's testimony, police have booked the worship centre's manager and two employees under multiple provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act as well as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigators said further inquiries are under way, and the case file will be handed over to the Pathanamthitta police for continued investigation.

(With PTI inputs)