Published Jun 21, 2026 | 11:53 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 21, 2026 | 11:53 AM
Minor assaulted. Representative image.
Synopsis: Police arrested three staff members of an old-age home in Pathanamthitta over the alleged assault of a teenage resident. According to investigators, the boy had been staying at the institution under a programme that promised educational support.
A controversy surrounding an old-age home in Omallur in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala intensified after police arrested three staff members on Saturday, 20 June, over the alleged assault of a teenage resident. According to investigators, the boy had been staying at the institution under a programme that promised educational support.
Police allege that the assurances were not met and that the teenager was instead subjected to physical abuse and made to perform work at the facility.
The case surfaced after the boy informed his family about the alleged mistreatment, leading to a police complaint and the arrest of three staff members on Saturday.
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The accused have been identified as Pastor Reji Solomon, Sijo K and Benny Babu. Police said the pastor associated with the institution has not been named as an accused so far, as staff members reportedly managed the home.
Investigators said his role would be examined further, and additional charges could be considered if evidence emerges.
A day after the arrests, tensions flared outside a prayer gathering held at a rented auditorium linked to the pastor.
BJP workers staged a protest demanding the closure of the venue until the investigation is completed. The demonstration led to a confrontation with the pastor’s supporters, who argued that worship activities should not be interrupted while the probe is underway.
Local panchayat authorities have also called for the temporary closure of the auditorium, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Police were deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and maintain order as opposing groups gathered at the venue.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
