Hyderabad, June 15: The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking an inquiry into the functioning of Hyderabad-based Agape orphanage and its US donor organisation, Agape International Inc., alleging serious violations of child rights, privacy safeguards, and regulatory norms involving HIV-affected orphan children.
In a detailed complaint submitted to the Commission on June 15, LRPF alleged that Agape International Inc., a US-registered charity operating under the name “Agape AIDS Orphan Care”, has been publicly displaying photographs, identities and personal stories of HIV-affected Indian orphan children on its fundraising platforms and official website.
According to the complaint, the disclosures are available on the organisation’s website, fundraising portals and YouTube channels and allegedly reveal sensitive information relating to vulnerable children. LRPF argued that such disclosures violate the children’s right to dignity, privacy, confidentiality and protection from stigma under Indian law.
EXTREMELY SHOCKING: We found that the photographs, personal identities, and emotionally sensitive stories of HIV-affected Indian orphan children associated with Hyderabad-based Agape orphanage were being publicly displayed on the websites and fundraising platforms of US-based… https://t.co/IjGzvcBbO6
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) June 15, 2026
The complaint identifies Agape International Inc., based in Medfield, Massachusetts, USA, as the foreign donor organisation and Hyderabad-based Agape Society (Registration No. 759/2003) as the Indian recipient organisation.
Same Individual Linked to US Donor and Indian Recipient
The Hyderabad-based legal rights advocacy group, LRPF, further pointed to publicly available Form-990 filings submitted to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2025 tax year, which list Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu as Executive Director of Agape International Inc.
The complaint states that NGO Darpan records also show Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu serving as an Executive Member of the Hyderabad-based Agape Society, while holding OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status, thereby creating a direct link between the foreign donor organisation and the Indian recipient institution.
Complaint Revives 2017 Controversy
The petition also recalls a major controversy involving the orphanage in April 2017. Citing a media report dated April 22, 2017, LRPF stated that HIV-affected orphan children housed at the institution were allegedly made to clean underground septic drainage systems, triggering public outrage and raising concerns about exploitation and child welfare violations.
The complaint further cites another media house report dated April 29, 2017, which stated that Agape did not possess the required licence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act at the time the incident allegedly occurred.
According to LRPF, despite these controversies, the institution subsequently obtained permissions and recognition under the Juvenile Justice framework.
Questions Raised Over Child Safety and Oversight
The complaint also draws attention to criminal proceedings reportedly involving Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu.
LRPF stated that she is allegedly an accused in Sessions Case filed in 2023 pending before the Fast Track Special Court dealing with rape and POCSO cases at Malkajgiri. The petition further refers to Criminal Petition filed before the Telangana High Court in 2025 seeking relief in connection with those proceedings.
LRPF argued that the existence of such proceedings raises serious concerns regarding child safety, institutional safeguarding mechanisms and regulatory oversight, particularly given the involvement of individuals associated with organisations working with vulnerable children.
FCRA Cancellation and Regulatory Questions
The LRPF further alleged that Agape’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration was cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs following violations. According to the complaint, the cancellation raises questions about how permissions and recognition continued to be granted under the Juvenile Justice framework despite earlier controversies and compliance concerns.
LRPF has questioned whether adequate due diligence, background verification, child safety assessments and ongoing monitoring were conducted by the relevant departments before granting or renewing approvals.
NHRC Intervention Sought
In its petition, LRPF has requested the NHRC to initiate an independent inquiry into Agape orphanage and Agape International Inc., examine the role of Telangana government departments responsible for granting approvals, and investigate possible violations of child rights, privacy protections and HIV confidentiality safeguards.
The forum has also sought directions for the removal of photographs, identities and HIV-related details of orphan children from fundraising platforms and websites.
Additionally, it has requested a child safety audit of the institution, examination of alleged misuse of foreign contributions, and scrutiny of the continued involvement of individuals associated with the management of the organisation.
The complaint contends that the matter involves highly vulnerable orphan children and requires urgent intervention to protect their dignity, privacy, confidentiality and welfare.
