In a distressing incident in Coimbatore, Ram Kumar, a sanitation worker at the CSI Christ Church in Coimbatore, has alleged that the church administration deceived him and his wife, Murugeshwari, with false promises of permanent employment if they converted to Christianity. After converting, they were removed from their jobs, and Murugeswari reportedly faced sexual harassment from a staff member. When the couple questioned the church administration, they were allegedly abused with caste-based slurs. This mistreatment drove Murugeswari to attempt suicide, and she is now said to be undergoing treatment at the Coimbatore Government Hospital.

Murugeshwari, a resident of Coimbatore, hails from Dindigul and lives with her husband and three children. She and her husband had been working as cleaners at the CSI Christ Church, opposite the Coimbatore Government Hospital. Without prior notice, Murugeshwari was transferred, prompting her to seek clarification. Instead of addressing her concerns, the administration allegedly subjected her to caste-based abuse and harassment. When her husband Ram Kumar protested, he too was suspended.

On 3 November 2024, during a confrontation with church staff, a man named Packia Selvan allegedly insulted and attacked them using caste-based slurs. When the couple reported this to the church treasurer, Godwin, they were told to wait until the new year for potential reemployment.

The couple claims they were manipulated into converting to Christianity in 2018 under the false pretense of receiving secure permanent employment. They accuse Timothy Ravinder and others of exploiting their poverty to force the conversion. Despite repeated complaints to the Police Commissioner and District Collector, no action has been taken allege the victims.

Murugeshwari, distraught over losing her livelihood and facing continued harassment, attempted suicide. While receiving treatment at the Coimbatore Government Hospital, she recorded a video pleading with authorities to take action against those responsible and to ensure justice for her family. The video has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to their plight.

Ram Kumar has urged the Coimbatore Superintendent of Police to intervene and arrest those involved under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

In her suicide note, Murugeshwari detailed the alleged harassment and coercion she faced while working at the church, which she claimed ultimately led to her removal from the job.

She accused a staff named Jayakumar of inappropriate behavior and exploitation. She wrote, “When I was working at the church, photographer Jayakumar looked at me with wrong intentions, but I did not entertain him. He would often question why I always called my husband, saying, ‘Can’t you be without seeing him?’ He once asked, ‘If I send you to do outdoor work, will you go?’ I refused, saying that my work in the church was enough for me. He persisted, saying, ‘When I talk, everyone listens, but you don’t. If there is marriage-related work, you must stay and do it.’ I told him I couldn’t stay at night, but he insisted, saying, ‘Work without fear. We will provide everything for you, but your husband shouldn’t come to the church. You must do as we say, or we will remove you from your job.’ And like they said, they did.”

Murugeshwari further alleged in her suicide note that Jayakumar repeatedly sought inappropriate favors from her, which she consistently refused. She wrote, “He continued making such demands, but I refused each time. I warned him that if he kept speaking like this, I would inform my husband. He then threatened me, saying, ‘If you tell your husband, you will not be allowed to come to work, and neither you nor your husband and three children will be allowed to enter the church.’”

In a heartfelt video, Murugeshwari shared her distressing experience, saying, “I come from a poor background. I moved to this town in 2018 and worked at the church opposite the Government hospital for five years. In 2023, they stopped my husband from working, and in 2024, they stopped me as well. They did not answer my husband it, and when I asked, they gave no response. When we went to inquire, they threatened us with the police, so we returned home in fear. Thinking that police would harm us, we went to the commissioner’s office and petitioned a letter (complaint), but they refused to accept. They directed us to the AC, but they didn’t accept it either. We even tried submitting our (complaint) through TV ads (presumably media news), but that too was ignored. Because we come from a low-income background, we were insulted, and they stopped us from working on November 4th. As a poor family, we were tormented and forced out. I went to ask for a job for a month, but they didn’t offer anything. When I asked for the original documents I had submitted we will leave but they refused to return them and threatened us with the police. Despite going to the police, the AC, and the commissioner, I received no response. We were discriminated based on have and have nots, and they insulted us. I was afraid and didn’t know what to do. I started receiving death threats and feared they would harm us. Rajendra Kumar, Packia Selvan, Charles Kumar, and Jaya Kumar warned that they would kill my husband, children, and me if we ever entered the church again. Amirtham even said we shouldn’t be allowed to re-join. What sin have we committed? They’ve told not to hire them for work. I asked, “I live in a rented house, and where can I go with my children?” but they’ve forced us out, saying ‘get out dogs.’ “

Later, Murugeshwari spoke about a particular individual named Jaya Kumar, stating,  “Jaya Kumar at many times have said many things to me like, ‘Will you come for work outside?’ and I replied, ‘I won’t go outside other than church for work.’ Then he told me, ‘Whatever work I assign to you, you must do it, and whatever I say, you must listen, or I will terminate your job.’ But I refused to comply with that as well. He then asked me to stay during the night function, and I declined that too. Finally, they told me, ‘You can work here as long as you comply, or you can leave.’ In retaliation, they removed both me and my husband from our jobs.” 

Murugeshwari, in a tearful plea from her hospital bed, begged for justice, voicing her deep pain and frustration. She said, “I didn’t know what to do, so in my depression and pain, I consumed poison without thinking of my children. They are responsible for this, and I ask you to show me a way and help me get justice.”

Her note and video plea reveals the disturbing harassment and threats she endured, which ultimately led to the loss of her livelihood. She further mentioned receiving death threats and intimidation from goons, attributing the lack of police action to the negligence in addressing her complaints. Murugeswari specifically named Head Priest Rajendra Kumar, Packia Selvan, Amirtham, and Amirtha Kumar as those responsible for the mistreatment and threats she faced.

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The post Coimbatore Scheduled Caste Sanitation Worker Alleges Exploitation, Harassment, And Threats By CSI Church Administration; Wife Attempts Suicide appeared first on The Commune.

Bishop Timothy Ravinder of the Church of South India (CSI) Coimbatore Diocese has been summoned by the Coimbatore city police concerning allegations of conspiracy and caste discrimination. The charges stem from an incident where the bishop allegedly removed a member of the church, effectively preventing him from participating in the upcoming elections. The expelled individual has filed a complaint with the Coimbatore police, seeking assistance in addressing the matter.

The CSI All Souls’ Church in Coimbatore has found itself embroiled in controversy after Reverend Pastor N. Charles Samraj, who the Coimbatore Diocese recently disrobed, leveled allegations of caste discrimination against the church leadership. Samraj, a Dalit, claimed that the Bishop, Timothy Ravinder, targeted him based on his caste in an attempt to prevent him from participating in the upcoming elections. He also alleged that the bishop’s actions were part of a broader pattern of discrimination against Dalit Christians, citing previous suspensions of other Dalit church members.

After his disrobing, Samraj approached the High Court, which quashed the decision. However, he claimed that under Bishop Ravinder’s leadership, the church has continued to prevent him from working freely, halting his salary and water supply, and exerting undue pressure on him. In response, Samraj filed a formal complaint with the Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police (SP), accusing the bishop of ongoing caste-based discrimination and requesting protection. He further urged the authorities to ensure that the court’s directives were enforced. In light of these allegations, Bishop Ravinder has been summoned by the police for questioning.

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A clash erupted between two groups at a church in Madurai over disputes concerning the church’s management and financial records, and a case has been filed against three individuals in connection with the conflict.

The incident occurred during a special prayer service held 4 November 2024, morning at the CSI Church in Keelavasal, Madurai district, where over 100 people gathered for the meeting led by Pastor Raja Stalin.

During the service, a heated argument broke out between members of the old and new church administrations. The dispute centered on issues regarding the church’s bankruptcy, income, and expenditure accounts. Tensions escalated into a physical altercation.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Vilakkuthoon police arrived at the scene to investigate.

Abraham, a member of the pastor’s group, filed a complaint with the police, leading to the registration of a case against three individuals, including Duraisingham. In response, Duraisingham, Raja Selvam, and Joseph Vasudevan, representing the opposing group, also lodged a formal complaint against the pastor’s side.

The police are continuing their investigation, and according to their statement, “The case is still pending in court due to an ongoing dispute between the two factions over the administration of the CSI Church. The conflict appears to have escalated because Pastor Raja Stalin is being accused of partisanship. We are continuing to look into the matter.”

A video capturing the altercation has since gone viral on social media, further drawing attention to the church’s internal conflict.

சர்ச்சில் சரமாரியாக தாக்கிக்கொண்டு பயங்கர மோதல்.. வெளியான பரபரப்பு காட்சி#madurai #thanthitv pic.twitter.com/JiiTnwmj2f

— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) November 4, 2024

Following the viral video of a church clash in Madurai, there has been growing public demand for greater accountability in Christian institutions, in line with a recent suggestion by the Madras High Court. The court has urged the Union and Tamil Nadu governments to consider establishing a statutory board, similar to the Waqf Board, to oversee the assets, funds, and entities such as hospitals and schools run by Christian organizations.

Justice N. Sathish Kumar, in his ruling, noted that while charitable endowments of Hindus and Muslims are subject to statutory oversight, no such regulation exists for Christian institutions. He pointed out that current scrutiny is limited to legal suits under Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which deals with the management of charitable trusts. Emphasizing the need for a permanent solution, Justice Sathish Kumar argued that Christian institutions, which perform vital public functions, require better protection and regulation to ensure their financial and administrative stability. He also highlighted the frequent internal disputes within churches that drain resources and hinder proper functioning.

The court has directed both the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary to file reports on the issue.

(With inputs from Kamadenu)

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A pastor was arrested by the all women’s police station for alleged sexual misconduct involving a 14-year-old girl in Kanchipuram, under the POCSO Act.

Pastor Devairakkam, aged 54, affiliated with CSI Christ Church on Kanchipuram Railway Road, allegedly subjected the girl to unwanted advances. The minor girl was enrolled at CSI Church High School. Following her mother’s passing from health complications, the adolescent resided within the church grounds. On the 1st of January this year, the clergyman, Devairakkam, subjected the girl to sexual harassment. The girl fled from him and disclosed the incident to her community members. Allegedly, law enforcement authorities did not take immediate action upon receiving the complaint.

Consequently, the locals sought intervention from a section of the chief minister’s office. The plea was forwarded to the Kanchipuram District Child Protection Office. Following an investigation by District Child Protection Officer Sakthi Kavya, a formal report was lodged at the women’s police department in Kanchipuram. Subsequent to a thorough inquiry, the police have charged the priest under the POCSO Act and have taken him into custody today.

The alleged offender was later presented before a judge and remanded in custody.

சிறுமிக்கு பாலியல் தொல்லை;
பாதிரியார் தேவஇரக்கம் கைது!#SexualHarassment |#Arrest |#Kanchipuramhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOopr pic.twitter.com/oEVGCPP3XP

— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) July 4, 2024

(With Inputs From Hindu Tamil)

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The post CSI Church Pastor Arrested Under POCSO Act For Sexually Assaulting A Minor Girl In Kanchipuram appeared first on The Commune.

The Madurai branch of the Madras High Court has issued an interim stay on the circular issued by the Vice-President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth diocese management saying that the members of the Diocese should not approach the court directly regarding the CSI administration.

Devasagayam, the founder of a Christian Reform Movement in Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district, stated in his petition, “On September 16, the Vice President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth Diocese issued a circular. It stated that those seeking justice against the Diocese, its administration, administrators, or institutions should first seek justice through the administrative bodies of the South Indian Church Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese.”

“The circular also said those who go directly to court are ineligible to participate in the administrative bodies of the Diocese or any church association in the future,” the PIL added.

The petitioner added that the circular violated the constitutionally guaranteed right to worship, that it not only precludes legal action but also penalizes justice seekers, and that it is possible to expel justice seekers and questioners.

“This circular denies the council members’ rights and privileges. The justice seekers will be denied access to churches, weddings, engagements, funerals, and cemeteries. Many members will be expelled. The circular is illegal and issued with an ulterior motive. Therefore the circular has to be suspended,” the petition ended.

On hearing the petition, the bench headed by Justice D. Raja and R. Mahadevan stayed the circular for two weeks and sent a notice to the Vice-President of the Thoothukudi Nazareth Diocese.

(with inputs from Dinamalar)

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An altercation erupted between two factions in Thangammalpuram CSI Pastorate, allegedly in connection with the approaching election for the Thoothukudi-Nazareth CSI diocese. Two persons sustained knife injuries.

According to Thoothukudi Police, Sujith and Jebaraj of Thangammalpuram was allegedly attacked with a sharp-edged weapon and were taken to Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital for treatment while bleeding. Following that, one Pon Rathnaraj was allegedly assaulted by followers of Sujith and Jebaraj and rushed to the hospital. FIRs had been filed in both incidents, according to SP S Jeyakumar.

Sujith and Jebaraj were members of one faction led by lay secretary candidate Giftson, while Pon Rathinam was a member of another faction led by current lay secretary SDK Rajan, according to sources.

The factions are clashing after incumbent lay secretary Rajan removed over 400 legitimate voters from the voters’ list belonging to the opposite team ahead of the polls. Rajan, a prominent businessman in Thoothukudi, has led the CSI diocese’s district unit for the past two terms.

According to a former lay secretary who requested anonymity, Rajan faces fierce resistance from all parishes, and a large opposition faction has arisen against him because his administration has rendered the church bankrupt. As a result, he said, he had gotten rid of a lot of voters who he thought would vote against him.

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Naduvakurichi village in Palayankottai, Tiruneveli district, has a significant population of Scheduled Caste people. People in the area alleged that on a routine basis, a CSI Church van would pick up children from the village, brainwash them, and then return them to the village in the evening.

Upon knowing of this incident, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Tirunelveli went to the village and taught the children about the Hindu religion’s epics and glories in a manner that they could understand. Members of the VHP have advised the children not to go with any religious conversion groups, such as the CSI Church. VHP members have also decided to take legal action against CSI Church for deceiving and converting children.

In connection to this incident, Tirunelveli district VHP office bearers Muthuraj, Isakki, Chandrasekar and Ramesh met the Palayankottai Tahsildar and lodged an official complaint. Vishwa Hindu Parishad said it would mobilize villagers and organize a protest if they do not take immediate action.

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