On 21st June, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta staged a protest outside the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Omalloor, which is run by pastor Binu Vazhamuttom. BJP workers demanded the arrest of the pastor over allegations that minors and other inmates were assaulted, unlawfully confined and forced to work at Snehathanal, an institution operated by his organisation.
#WATCH | Pathanamthitta, Keralam: BJP workers protested at the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Omalloor over allegations that children living there were subjected to physical abuse by the centre’s staff members. pic.twitter.com/LvkRx5SmIB
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026
As BJP activists raised slogans demanding the pastor’s arrest, followers of the Church arrived for the weekly prayer service. The protesters did not let them enter the centre and raised slogans against the pastor, which led to a heated argument between the groups. The pastor’s followers raised Bibles and demanded that they be allowed to enter, claiming that it was their right to worship. They also argued that allegations against individuals should be dealt with through the legal process rather than by obstructing religious services.
Pathanamthitta, Kerala-
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) June 21, 2026
Tension outside pastor-run Christian worship centre's prayer meeting venue as BJP workers protest over alleged assault on 17-year-old boy by staff linked to organisation. pic.twitter.com/smpRlQaEYp
Additional police personnel were deployed around the centre from the morning to maintain law and order. Police personnel intervened and escorted the pastor’s followers inside the prayer hall, allowing the service to proceed.
Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom had shared the stage with Congress leader Shashi Tharoor
As the controversy surrounding Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom surfaced, old photographs of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor were reshared on social media, showing the two sharing the stage.
Dropped by the Elohim Global Worship Centre to greet Pastor Binu and, at his invitation, briefly addressed the congregants. pic.twitter.com/JCPBsgCUkU
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 25, 2024
In a post on social media platform X in March 2024, Tharoor had written, “Dropped by the Elohim Global Worship Centre to greet Pastor Binu and, at his invitation, briefly addressed the congregants.”
The social media handles of the Elohim Global Worship Centre are filled with videos of “prayer meetings” organised and led by Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom. Such prayer meetings are often used as a front to convert vulnerable Hindus to Christianity.
Complaint by 17-year-old exposed alleged abuse
The controversy surrounding pastor Binu Vazhamuttom began after a 17-year-old boy from Anakkara near Kattappana in Idukki district approached the Child Protection Unit (CPU) and stated that he had been physically assaulted and forced to work while staying at the institution in Pathanamthitta.
According to media reports, he was taken to the institution on the promise of education, accommodation and employment-oriented training. Footage of the pastor assuring the teenager that he would receive job-based education and a place to stay emerged following the controversy.
The victim reportedly stayed at the centre for around three months. In his complaint, he said that he began questioning the management after his education was affected and he was repeatedly made to work at the institution. The management later accused him of theft and beat him with a cane.
According to the victim’s family, those running the facility also used pepper spray to intimidate and control children. The teenager was said to have suffered severe mental distress following the physical and psychological abuse at pastor Binu’s institution.
FIR registered, three staff members arrested
Based on his complaint, Kattappana police initially registered a case against the institution’s manager, Reji, and staff members Sijo and Benny. Subsequently, the case was transferred to Elavumthitta police, who arrested the three accused near the Pathanamthitta bus stand on 20th June. They were later remanded in judicial custody.
The accused were booked under provisions relating to physical assault, wrongful confinement, child labour and violations of the Juvenile Justice Act. A separate case has been registered following a complaint filed by a 15-year-old boy who stated that he was also assaulted.
A former employee from Idukki also filed a complaint stating that pastor Binu Vazhamuttom had threatened her. The woman, who reportedly informed the 17-year-old’s family about the abuse, sought protection for herself and her children and demanded action against the pastor. The Social Justice Department is also conducting an inquiry into the functioning of the institution.
CWC flags serious irregularities
Following the controversy, the Child Welfare Committee conducted an inquiry into the allegations and found indications that other inmates may also have been subjected to abuse and exploitation. Pathanamthitta CWC chairperson Leena Subash said people were being kept at the institution illegally. She added that three children were found there and that a woman and her infant were rescued after being discovered in a poor condition.
She said, “We have also come to know that another woman and child had been staying here. They also need to be traced. A 17-year-old whom we rescued had injuries on his body. They have given statements that they were assaulted, forced to do labour and were not paid anything.” The authorities are now examining whether more women, children and elderly inmates were subjected to similar treatment.
Panchayat president says inmates reported assaults
Chenneerkkara grama panchayat president Kochu Mol Koshi said statements recorded from residents indicated a pattern of abuse at the Snehathanal old-age home. She said there were 21 inmates at the facility when officials visited it. Two of them were taken to the pastor’s house for work every day.
“Inmates have stated that they were assaulted. All the elderly women there told us that those boys were being beaten. The woman who was doing all the cleaning work there had an infant child. She was not even allowed to take care of the baby and was forced to work full time,” Koshi said.
Officials are also attempting to trace another woman and child who were reportedly staying at the institution.
Pastor denies allegations, alleges conspiracy
On 21st June, Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom issued a video statement in Malayalam denying knowledge of any abuse. He claimed that his understanding was that the matter arose from a clash involving children. He further stated that the case was before the court and that he could not disclose further details.
He also denied reports that he had gone into hiding and claimed that there was a conspiracy against him and that the controversy was part of that conspiracy. He said those found guilty should receive the maximum punishment under the law, but maintained that the accusations against him and the institution had not been proved.
He further said Snehathanal had been functioning for five years, denied receiving foreign funds or collecting donations in its name and claimed that the institution was run using money received through his ministry and the Elohim Global Worship Centre.
Vazhamuttom also accused Omalloor panchayat president Athira of making false statements due to a personal grudge and said he would initiate legal action after consulting lawyers.
Further investigation into the matter is underway. Police and child welfare authorities are examining statements from former residents and staff members to determine whether more people were subjected to assault, forced labour, illegal confinement or other forms of exploitation at the institution.
