On 20 June 2026, a Child Welfare Committee inquiry revealed that children at the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, faced abuse and unpaid forced labor. The probe followed a June 17 police case against three staff members for assaulting a 17-year-old boy lured by false promises of education. Authorities have closed the center, rescued an injured child, and filed charges under the Juvenile Justice Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In this report, we look at major criminal cases from 2017 to 2026 involving Christian pastors, priests, and religious administrators who leveraged their positions of spiritual authority to perpetrate sexual assault, rape, and physical abuse against minors. The incidents span multiple states across India, predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with documented cases extending to Gujarat. The abuses took place inside church prayer rooms, private clergy residences, residential student hostels, church-run schools, and independent prayer houses (jebakoodams).
Common manipulation tactics used by the accused include conducting “special prayers” or exorcisms, providing educational tuition, offering administrative blessings, or utilizing institutional authority to threaten victims and enforce silence through emotional coercion, blackmail, or active family cover-ups. The report details law enforcement and judicial responses, including the application of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the invocation of stringent preventive laws like the Goondas Act, and significant judicial milestones such as maximum-term life sentences and long-term rigorous imprisonment handed down by specialized POCSO courts.
#1 Catholic Priest Arrested Under POCSO Act for Raping and Impregnating 16-Year-Old Schoolgirl – February 2017 – Kerala
Father Robin Vadakkanchery (48), a Catholic priest and school manager in Kannur, Kerala, repeatedly raped a 16-year-old student in his church room, resulting in her pregnancy. The girl gave birth at a private hospital, but the crime was covered up: the newborn was sent to an orphanage, and the girl was falsely told she had undergone appendix surgery. The police registered a case, tracking down and arresting the fleeing priest in Thrissur. Father Robin confessed to the crime and was booked under multiple provisions of the POCSO Act.
#2 Pastor Arrested for Raping 10-Year-Old – November 2018 -Assam
On 5 November 2018, Assam police arrested 60-year-old pastor Chandra Kumar Pradhan from Karbi Anglong district for raping a 10-year-old girl on October 29. Pradhan lured the victim to a garden near his residence, assaulted her, and fled. A 35-year-old accomplice was arrested for recording and uploading the crime. The victim disclosed the assault to her parents on October 31, prompting an FIR. Pradhan, who evaded arrest by hiding in Nagaland, was finally apprehended in Kohima. He faced charges under IPC and POCSO Act for rape and aggravated sexual assault.
#3 Tribal Girl Abducted by Pastor – December 2020 -Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Pastor Jayaraj, 49, abducted a 13-year-old tribal girl from Perungattur village on October 24 after offering tuition under the guise of social work. He had previously misbehaved with other girls. Police registered a kidnapping case, and his sister Parimaladevi was arrested under POCSO for complicity after hiding him. Jayaraj secretly returned the girl to secure his sister’s bail. The girl claimed he was taking her to Bengaluru, but police suspected brainwashing.
#4 Pastor Arrested for Assaulting Minor – February 2021 – Idukki/Ernakulam, Kerala
Pastor Mathew, 74, of Mukaddam in Idukki district, was arrested by Kunnathunad police for molesting a minor girl in January. He goes door-to-door preaching religious matters. Charged under POCSO Act, he was remanded to judicial custody. This case follows a pattern in Kerala—October 2020 saw Fr Reji Palakkadan arrested for assaulting a woman; 2019 saw Fr George Padayattil booked for abusing three 9-year-old girls; and Fr George TJ was arrested for abusing six minor boys at a Kochi boys’ home run by Carmelites.
#5 Pastor, 3 Others Held for Assaulting Teen – April 2021 – Chennai, TN
Church Father Henry and three others including the victim’s sister-in-law and two relatives were charged with sexually harassing a 15-year-old girl in Chinmaya Nagar, Chennai. The survivor is the daughter of a popular playback singer working in a private channel, who had left her at her sister’s house due to work. Upon learning of the abuse, the singer filed a complaint at Kilpauk All Women Police Station. All four accused were arrested under POCSO Act and are under investigation.
#6 Pastor Held for Assaulting 10-Year-Old – July 2021 – Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Pastor Alavala Sudhakar, 46, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl on June 22 in Kakinada’s East Godavari district. He lured the girl to a field away from the church during a function and assaulted her. When she screamed, he stuffed a ₹50 note in her hand as a bribe to keep quiet. The victim later disclosed the ordeal to villagers and family, leading her mother to file a complaint at Sarpavaram police station. The pastor was charged under POCSO Act and remanded to judicial custody.
#7 Pastor Arrested for Assaulting Teen – September 2021 – Tiruppur, TN
Pastor Samuel, 36, from Veerapandi near Tiruppur, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl who came to pray. The survivor’s relatives filed a complaint at Tirupur South All Women Police Station. Following interrogation by women police, Samuel was charged under the POCSO Act and remanded to judicial custody.
#8 Principal, Wife Arrested for Hostel Assault and Cover-up – December 2021 – Trichy, TN
On 3 December 2021, at C.E. Higher Secondary School and Heber Home Hostel in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Principal James, 52, and his wife Stella Mary, a teacher and hostel warden, were arrested for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student and covering up the crime. James assaulted the victim in the school storeroom during Diwali holidays when other children were away. When the girl complained to Stella, she scolded the victim and threatened her to remain silent. The victim’s health deteriorated, and she disclosed the abuse when sent to relatives. Srirangam Women’s Police arrested both under the POCSO Act. The Education Department dismissed both from service.
#9 Pastor Arrested for Raping 16-Year-Old Girl as His Wife Recorded the Crime on Mobile Phone – December 2021 – Valsad district, Gujarat
Baliram Kokni (39), a church pastor in a village in Songadh taluka, Tapi district, allegedly isolated and raped a 16-year-old girl who visited the church for prayers with her parents. His wife, Anita, abetted the crime by recording photos and videos of the assault on her mobile phone, which the minor victim alleged were used to blackmail her into silence out of fear they would be leaked online. Following a complaint lodged at the Songadh police station, the police arrested both the pastor for rape and his wife for abetment within a few hours. The accused were produced in a local court, which remanded them to police custody for four days, and the investigation was officially handed over to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tapi.
#10 Pastor Arrested for Assaulting 13-Year-Old – January 2022 – Ooty, TN
Pastor Suri Stephen (54), alias Suriya Murthy, was arrested for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl when he visited her home for a prayer meeting and found her alone. Neighbors rescued the child after hearing her screams. Her mother filed a complaint at Ooty All Women Police Station. Investigation confirmed the abuse, leading to his prosecution under the POCSO Act. He was produced before court and remanded to judicial custody
#11 Headmaster Sentenced to 14 Years for Assaulting Nine Students – April 2022 – Tuticorin, TN
On 9 April 2022, at a Government Aided Primary School run by the church in Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, A. Thomas Samuel, a 57-year-old headmaster, was arrested after having sexually harassed schoolgirls for three months. The abuse came to light on 8 April 2022, when a parent filed a police complaint. Investigation revealed that Samuel had misbehaved with nine girl students of the school. Kovilpatti Mahila Police arrested him on 9 April 2022, under the POCSO Act. He was subsequently sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for his crimes against the minor students.
#12 Pentecostal Cult Priest Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl – August 2022 – Malappuram, Kerala
In 2016, a pastor named Jose Prakash (51) deceived a family into believing their 13-year-old daughter was possessed by demonic spirits. Under the pretext of conducting “special healing prayers,” he isolated and repeatedly raped the minor girl at her home and a family friend’s house. The abuse was discovered when the mother caught the girl leaving the pastor’s room late at night with her clothes on inside out. The family reported the matter to Malappuram Childline, leading the Women’s Police Station to register a case and arrest the pastor on March 22, 2016. The Manjeri fast-track POCSO court subsequently convicted Jose Prakash, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a Rs. 2,50,000 fine to compensate the victim and her brother.
#13 Pastor Held for Abusing 3 Minors – August 2022 – Ramanathapuram, TN
Pastor John Robert of St. Arulanandar Church in Mandapam was arrested for sexually abusing three minor girls aged 15, 16, and 17 who came for prayer on August 7. The parents filed a complaint with Ramanathapuram Childline Office, which investigated and confirmed the abuse. Robert was taken into custody and charged under the POCSO Act.
#14 Pastor, Wife Held for Abusing Minor Girl – November 2022 – Chennai, TN
Pastor Sheraldu Manohar, a Sri Lankan priest serving at Adamppakkam Church in Chennai, and his wife were arrested for sexually harassing a minor girl over phone and in person for six months. An elderly woman filed a complaint at Madipakkam All Women Police Station. Investigation confirmed abuse, and the wife was charged as an accomplice under POCSO Act. Both were produced before court and remanded to judicial custody. Police revealed the pastor had allegedly harassed many girls and women who visited the church in the past.
#15 Pastor Arrested for Raping Teen in Hostel – January 2023 – Tiruppur, TN
Pastor Andrews, 46, who runs a private hostel in Konampatti, was arrested for raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl on December 14, 2022. The girl refused to return after Christmas vacation and disclosed the assault to her parents, stating Andrews threatened her. He assaulted her when she skipped evening prayers due to illness. Her parents filed a complaint at Oothukuli police station. Charged under POCSO Act, Andrews was arrested.
#16 Principal Arrested for Abusing 8 Minor Girls in Hostel – March 2023 – Dindori, MP
On 5 March 2023, at a Missionary School Hostel in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh, Principal Nan Singh was arrested while teacher Khemchand, hostel caretaker Fateh Sunny, and a female caretaker remain absconding for sexually assaulting eight female students from classes 6 to 12, aged approximately 6 to 12 years. During a surprise inspection by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Child Welfare Committee, the students tearfully reported years of abuse, stating that the accused would call them alone to classrooms, touch their private parts, and engage in obscene acts. Students also complained of caning and stale food.
#17 Madurai Church Worker Held for Abuse – March 2023 – Tenkasi/Madurai, TN
Lawrence, 50, a Madurai church employee posing as a lawyer, raped a 16-year-old Class XI student multiple times, promising financial aid. He took compromising photos and videos to threaten her. Her mother noticed her distress, leading to a POCSO complaint on March 15. Lawrence is absconding, and police have launched a search operation
#18 Pastor Arrested for Years of Abuse – June 2023 – Thoothukudi/Madurai, TN
Pastor Vinod Joshua, 40, of Christian Brethren Church in Keezhakottai village, was arrested in Madurai for sexually harassing a girl since she was 14 in 2018. The abuse continued via WhatsApp even after her marriage; she is now 8 months pregnant. He threatened to kill her and her family if she disclosed the abuse. She finally filed a complaint at Kadampur All Women Police Station. Charged under POCSO Act, Joshua fled but was detained near Madurai Mattuthavani bus stop and remanded to judicial custody.
#19 Pastor Arrested for Assaulting Nepali Teen – April 2024 – Hosur, TN
Pastor May Wald, 57, of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mathigiri, Hosur, was arrested for sexually harassing a 17-year-old Nepali girl preparing for NEET. She complained to Krishnagiri District Child Protection Committee, leading to a formal complaint at Hosur All Women Police Station. Investigation confirmed the allegations, and Wald was detained under POCSO Act. In a separate case, Pastor Raghurajkumar, 54, from Ranipet is absconding for molesting a 14-year-old girl in December 2022.
#20 Christian Pastor Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting 11-Year-Old Boy – May 2024 – Ernakulam, Kerala
Christian pastor Vattamattamchirail Mani (54), pastor of the Mamalakkandam Chamappara New Testament Church in Mamalakkandam, was convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy after luring him to a nearby shed during New Year prayers on 31 December 2016 under the pretext of giving blessings. The abuse allegedly continued at the church and the pastor’s residence until the child disclosed the incidents to a friend two years later, prompting teachers and a doctor to alert Kuttampuzha Police. Following the investigation, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act Court in Muvattupuzha sentenced Mani to 55 years’ imprisonment and imposed a ₹1.4 lakh fine under multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, directing that the compensation be paid to the victim.
#21 Pastor Arrested for Assaulting Teen – May 2024 – Ranipet, TN
Pastor M Raghu Rajakumar, 54, of AG Church, was arrested on May 9 after evading police for five months for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in December 2023. The victim’s mother noticed behavioral changes and filed a complaint at Ranipet All Women Police Station. Charged under POCSO Act Sections 7, 8, 9, 9(1) and IPC 506, he was produced before Ranipet Magistrate Court and remanded to judicial custody.
#22 Kanchipuram Pastor Held for Assaulting Minor – July 2024 – TN
Pastor Devairakkam, 54, of CSI Christ Church, was arrested for sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl residing on church grounds after her mother’s death. The incident occurred on January 1, but police initially delayed action. Following local protests and intervention from the Chief Minister’s office, the District Child Protection Officer investigated, leading to formal charges. The all-women’s police station arrested him under the POCSO Act. He was produced before a judge and remanded to custody. The survivor, a student at CSI Church High School, fled and reported the abuse to community members.
#23 Pastor, School Director Rape Student, Leads to Pregnancy – March 2025 – Andhra Pradesh
On 26 March 2025, at a Private Missionary School in Machavaram, Rayavaram Mandal, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Pastor and School Correspondent Akumarthi Shaji Jayaraju lured a minor female student to his office on the pretext of bringing files and sexually assaulted her. The crime remained hidden until the victim became five months pregnant and her health deteriorated. The frightened girl finally disclosed the ordeal to her family, who filed a complaint. Police registered a case under the POCSO Act. Jayaraju, who had been absconding, was arrested in the Kothur suburb of Ramachandrapuram and sent to judicial custody.
#24 63-Year-Old Priest Running a Prayer House Arrested for Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old – March 2025 – Kanyakumari, TN
A Christian preacher, John Rose (63), who ran a prayer hall in the Karumpalai area of Perunchilambu, was arrested along with his wife Jelin Prabha and son Pradeep after a 13-year-old girl became pregnant following repeated sexual assault. According to police, the victim, the daughter of a daily-wage labourer from the Sembaruthivilai area, had been visiting the prayer hall and doing household work at the preacher’s home. After her pregnancy was discovered, John Rose allegedly threatened the girl’s parents and took her to Kollam for an abortion before going into hiding. The case came to light after the minor was taken to a hospital with severe stomach pain, where doctors found she was pregnant. The accused were later arrested in Coimbatore, and the Goondas Act was invoked against John Rose on the recommendation of the district police superintendent.
#25 Coimbatore Pastor Arrested for Minor Assault – April 2025 – Coimbatore/Kerala
Pastor John Jebaraj, 37, of Coimbatore’s Kings Generation Church, was arrested in Munnar for allegedly sexually assaulting two minors at his residence in May 2023. Evading arrest for months, he was tracked by Coimbatore police. Charged under POCSO Act with aggravated sexual assault, he was remanded to judicial custody. Jebaraj had sought anticipatory bail, blaming estranged wife. One victim recently complained to Child Welfare Committee. His arrest follows Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh’s life sentence in a 2018 rape case.
#26 Pastor Arrested for Repeatedly Raping Minor – June 2025 Assam
On 22 June 2025, Assam police arrested Pastor Isaac Hapat from Panigaon, Margherita, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl multiple times between June 10-22. The accused reportedly brought the minor to his home under the pretext of religious activities and household help during his wife’s absence. The victim stated Hapat tied her hands, threatened her, and sexually assaulted her repeatedly. She escaped on 22 June 2025, revealing the abuse to her family. An FIR was filed under POCSO Act Section 6. Locals expressed shock, stating Hapat exploited their trust. Investigations continue as the pastor remains in custody.
#27 Chennai Pastor Who Ran a Church Prayer Room Arrested Under POCSO Act for Assaulting Five Minor Girls – August 2025 – Chennai, TN
A 53-year-old pastor, Kamaraj alias Victor, was arrested by Red Hills Police on 2 August 2025 for assaulting five minor girls, aged 10 and 11, who attended tuition classes conducted by his wife, an Anganwadi teacher, at their home. The pastor ran a church prayer room in the area and allegedly used his position to gain access to the young victims. The case came to light after one of the victims informed her parents, who lodged a complaint with the authorities. Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested the pastor. The investigation revealed that the pastor had been assaulting the minor girls who visited his home for tuition classes conducted by his wife, leading to his arrest in Red Hills, Tamil Nadu.
#28 Abuse Allegations Rock Kanyakumari Church – August 2025 – TN
A 17-year-old boy was allegedly sexually abused by preacher Varghese, 55, during a Pentecostal Church Vacation Bible School. The minor returned distressed with facial swelling, revealing trauma days later. Despite initial resistance from church officials, police arrested Varghese under the POCSO Act a week ago. This is not his first accusation – a similar 2008 complaint involving a married woman was reportedly suppressed without FIR, allegedly due to political influence during the previous DMK regime. Authorities now face renewed scrutiny over claims of inaction and political protection for religious groups.
#29 Pastor on Run for Assaulting Teen – May 2026 – Eluru, Andhra Pradesh
Pastor Choutupalli Rambabu, 35, is absconding for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on at least four occasions in February 2026. He gained trust by regularly visiting her family’s home for prayers and assaulted her when parents were absent. The survivor developed health complications and was hospitalized at GGH Eluru, where she disclosed the abuse to doctors. Her mother filed a complaint at Thadikalapudi police station. A case was registered under POCSO Act.
#30 Pastor Accused Of Child Abuse – June 2026 – Pathanamthitta, Kerala
A 17-year-old boy from Anakkara alleged that he was assaulted by three staff members of the Elohim Global Worship Centre, with a preliminary inquiry indicating that other children at the Christian worship centre had also allegedly faced abuse and exploitation. Following the allegations, on 17 June 2026, Kattappana Police registered a case, while the Child Welfare Committee launched an inquiry into the incident in Kattappana, Kerala. The case came to light when the victim reported the assault, leading authorities to investigate the center’s operations. The probe revealed that children were being subjected to abuse and unpaid forced labor at the facility. Authorities have since closed the center, rescued an injured child, and filed charges under the Juvenile Justice Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the staff members involved.
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