BJP protests abuse at Elohim Worship Center; Devotees say worship cannot be stopped

PATHANAMTHITTA: The BJP has come to the fore protesting the brutal harassment faced by the children of Elohim Worship Centre in Chenneerkara. The protest is demanding the arrest of the owner of the institution, Pastor Binu Vazhamuttam. The devotees also came forward, alleging that worship could not be stopped in the name of protests.

They said that freedom of prayer is their right and it should not be stopped. They demanded that no one has the right to stop the prayers and that facilities be provided for them for it. After a dispute broke out between the protesters and the devotees, the police reached the spot and made the latter enter the worship hall.

The authorities are reportedly planning to cancel the recognition of the old-age home at Elohim Worship Centre at Omallur in Pathanamthitta, after investigations found that inmates were not provided adequate food and students were subjected to severe physical abuse. The action comes after the social justice department found major lapses in running the institution, which had permission to operate until next month. Three, including the manager are presently remanded for child abuse.

Meantime, Pastor Binu Vazhamuttam, the owner of Elohim Global Worship Center, has reached Omallur. He denied the allegations against the center and accused it of being a protest against worship. He said that he is not hiding as reported by the media. Pastor Binu added that the conflict was between children and that he would not comment further on the matter as the case is pending in the court.