Tension prevailed at the Elomi Global Worship Centre in Omalloor, Pathanamthitta district, on June 21 as BJP workers, local residents and church members came face to face during a protest demanding the arrest of pastor Binu Vazhakkuttom over allegations of child abuse and abuse at the old-age care home managed by him. The protest escalated into a stand-off after BJP workers and locals laid siege to the worship centre, prompting police to intervene and escort Christians into the prayer hall.
Police had anticipated trouble and deployed a large force at the venue before the protest began. The agitation was launched in view of the allegations against the old-age care home managed by the pastor. The Elohim Global Worship Centre has been embroiled in controversy following a minor and elder abuse case, with investigations allegedly revealing that staff members physically assaulted children and elderly residents, denied them adequate food and forced them into uncompensated labour.
A 17-year-old boy was allegedly given accommodation at the centre with the promise of support for his education but was instead forced into severe labour and mercilessly beaten with a cane when he questioned why he was not being allowed to study.
A preliminary enquiry by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) found that other children and adults housed at ‘Snehathanal’ (meaning “Shadow of Love”) were allegedly subjected to similar severe mistreatment, physical torture, ill-treatment, exploitation and poor living conditions.
Based on the findings, police arrested three staff members — Reji Solomon, Benny Babu and Sijo Kunjumon — who had initially gone underground. The Social Justice Department has also moved to cancel the licence of the shelter.
Pastor Binu Vazhakkuttom, the owner of the centre, denied the allegations. His denial, coupled with the serious abuse allegations, sparked intense public protests in Omalloor. The protest was led by BJP workers and action committees demanding the arrest of the pastor. As protesters gathered outside the prayer hall, believers also assembled there, raising slogans asserting their right to worship.
Omalloor Panchayat President Athira Mohan stated that the centre was operating without a valid licence from the Local Self-Government Body.
There are reports that two motorcycle-borne men threatened Athira Mohan, warning that they would not spare her life if she continued to oppose the centre. Although she lodged a complaint with the police, no action has reportedly been taken against them so far.
Meanwhile, Janam TV Malayalam telecast a video of Pastor Binu in which he allegedly threatened BJP workers and the protesters, claiming that there were Christian youths who would hack or stab people if instructed to do so. He further alleged that such persons had carried out such acts in the past after being paid and were still around and capable of “handling” RSS and BJP workers.
In the same video, Pastor Binu claimed that he had spoken to Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan and explained the situation to him. He also claimed that he had supporters in both the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF), and therefore was least bothered by the protests.
In another video, Pastor Binu allegedly insulted Kali Devi, stating that the deity spoils the peaceful atmosphere of families.
The alleged ease with which Pastor Binu claimed he could speak to the Chief Minister has raised concerns among sections of the public.
Reports indicate that the Social Justice Department is preparing to initiate the necessary steps to close the centre. However, police have reportedly not taken any further action so far. The Orphanage Control Board is also said to be taking steps to shut down the allegedly illegal centre. Reports from Pathanamthitta further suggest that the district administration had denied permission for Binu’s centre.
Pastor Binu has also faced allegations of involvement in several illegal activities in the past, including land grabbing. One of the major disputes reportedly involved Puthippara Mala, the site of a Devi temple and an ashram. The High Court had reportedly intervened in connection with the matter. He has also faced allegations of illegally cutting hills and levelling land, resulting in environmental concerns.
According to reports, Pastor Binu has filed cases against 35 BJP workers and local residents, including Omalloor Panchayat President Athira Mohan.
