According to a Janmabhumi report, “Brother” Mathew Albin, the owner of Shanthi Bhavan orphanage in Punnapra, Alappuzha district, was arrested by Punnapra Police on July 31 following a complaint of sexual harassment lodged by a female employee.
The complainant alleged that Mathew Albin offered her money and coerced her into a sexual relationship.
According to the reports, Mathew Albin had previously been an accused in a murder case. He later claimed to have repented and attained enlightenment before establishing Shanthi Bhavan, an orphanage in Punnapra.
The report states that an audio clip purportedly featuring Mathew Albin threatening the complainant has surfaced.
In the alleged conversation, he claims that despite the complaint, no police officer had arrested him and that he had met Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
He is also heard allegedly saying that he intended to kill five people, naming Shanthi Bhavan’s former manager Sarath as his first target. He further allegedly threatened to defame the complainant on social media after obtaining bail.
The arrest has once again raised concerns over the safety of children and women housed in residential care institutions.
Keralam has witnessed several cases involving individuals associated with Christian denominations and evangelical institutions between 2014 and 2026.
April 2014: Pentecostal pastor Sajan Mathayi arrested in Kottayam in a POCSO case involving the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl.
December 2016: Catholic priest Fr Edwin Figarez sentenced to double life imprisonment by a Special POCSO Court in Ernakulam for sexually abusing a minor girl.
January 2017: Priest and school principal Fr Basil Kuriakose arrested after a hostel student alleged sexual abuse.
February 2017: Former vicar Fr Robin Vadakkumchery arrested and later sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in a minor rape case.
May 2017: Salvation Army pastor Sanil K. James sentenced to life imprisonment in a POCSO case involving a minor girl.
October 2017: CSI priest Fr Devaraj arrested after allegations of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl during a Bible study session.
July 2019: Catholic boys’ home director Fr George (Jerry) arrested after children escaped the institution and reported alleged abuse.
September 2019: Syro-Malabar priest Fr George Padayatti booked under the POCSO Act following allegations of molesting three minor girls.
June 2020: Pastor Shaiju Thomas arrested on charges of attempting to murder his 54-day-old infant daughter.
February 2021: Priest Fr Mathew arrested under the POCSO Act in Ernakulam following allegations of sexually assaulting a minor girl.
March 2022: Orthodox priest Fr Pondson John arrested after a 17-year-old girl accused him of sexual assault during counselling sessions.
April 2022: Catholic seminary instructor Fr Thomas Parakkulam sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for sexually abusing four seminary students.
August 2022: Catholic vicar Fr Joseph Kodiyan arrested in Ernakulam under the POCSO Act following allegations of sexually assaulting a minor boy.
August 2022: Pentecostal pastor Jose Prakash sentenced to life imprisonment in a POCSO case involving the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
December 2022: Catholic priest Fr Raju Kokken sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment in a case involving the sexual abuse of a minor girl.
April 2023: Orthodox priest Shemavoon Ramba arrested after allegations of molesting a teenage girl inside a church.
June 2023: Former catechism teacher Monson Mavunkal sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually abusing a minor girl.
June 2023: Police registered a POCSO case against a priest in Vizhinjam following allegations of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy.
January 2024: Pentecostal pastor Raveendranath arrested in Thiruvananthapuram under the POCSO Act for allegedly abusing an orphaned minor boy.
May 2024: An Ernakulam POCSO Court sentenced pastor Vattamattamchirail Mani to 55 years’ imprisonment for sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy.
July 2025: Catholic priest Fr Paul Thattupurambil surrendered before a Kasaragod court in a POCSO case involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor boy.
June 2026: Kattappana Police registered a case into alleged abuse involving minors at the Elohim Global Worship Centre, and the Child Welfare Committee initiated an inquiry.
