In a case that exposes a deeply troubling pattern of institutional failure, church leaders within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) are accused of knowingly concealing the crimes of a serial child sex abuser for approximately two decades, allowing him to continue preying on victims across two states.

Clint Massie, a member of the OALC community, sexually abused children over a period of about 20 years. A recent report from 20 November 2025, reveals that church leaders, including prominent figure Daryl Bruckelmyer, were aware of Massie’s actions but deliberately chose not to report him to law enforcement.

Instead of involving the police, the leaders orchestrated so-called “forgiveness sessions.” In these meetings, victims were pressured to forgive Massie and were given a devastating ultimatum: they were told that if they spoke of the abuse again, the sin would become their own. This manipulative tactic effectively silenced the victims and created a protective shield for the abuser, enabling Massie to continue his cycle of abuse unchecked.

This case is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader, global pattern of religious institutions prioritizing their reputation over the safety of children. In this report, we take a look at 13 separate incidents of child sexual abuse from 2016 to 2025 involving pastors, leaders, and members of various churches. In each case, the crimes were not only concealed internally but were also never reported to authorities, in direct violation of mandatory reporting laws designed to protect the most vulnerable.

#1 Church Shielded Abuser, Silenced Victims – November 2025 – Minnesota, USA

Church leaders in Duluth, Minnesota, concealed a serial child sex abuser for two decades. Clint Massie abused children within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC). Preacher Daryl Bruckelmyer and other leaders knew but never reported him to police. Instead, they held “forgiveness sessions,” pressuring victims to forgive Massie. They were told speaking out again would make the sin theirs. This manipulation allowed Massie’s abuse to continue. Massie pleaded guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. While church officials faced no charges, prosecutors stated they should have done more to stop him, highlighting a systemic failure to protect children.

#2 Mississippi Pastor Arrested for Failing to Report Child Sex Abuse – November 2025

In Southaven, Mississippi, Pastor Jonathan Colvin was arrested on 18 November 2025, for allegedly failing to report a child sex crime. Colvin, a 38-year-old youth and family minister at the Goodman Oaks Church of Christ, is accused of violating Mississippi’s mandatory reporting laws. These laws require professionals who work with children to immediately report any known or suspected incidents of abuse to authorities. The charge stems from Colvin’s alleged knowledge of a sexual abuse incident, reported to involve minors, which he did not report to the police.

#3 NSW Church Hid Pedophile Leader – November 2025 – Maitland, Australia

Senior leaders of Maitland Evangelical Church, including Pastor Roger Burgess, were accused in parliament of concealing child sex abuse. They failed to disclose crimes by youth leader Matthew Briggs, a known pedophile. After Briggs’ death, Burgess misled the 500-member congregation, calling the matter “extreme domestic violence.” Additional allegations involved a separate cover-up of abuse against a teenage girl. When former member Phil Bear raised concerns, church leadership discredited him.

#4 Florida Pastor Charged for Silence – September 2025 – Gainesville, Florida

Pastor Mark Vega of Ignite Life Center was charged with willfully failing to report child sexual abuse. Despite receiving allegations starting in 2019, Vega managed cases internally, allowing accused youth leaders to continue working with minors. Church leaders discouraged families from involving police, proposing internal “restoration” plans instead. This failure enabled further abuse by multiple youth leaders, including Vega’s son. The case exposed how internal handling by the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God created an environment where predators could continue to operate with impunity.

#5 Arizona Pastor Arrested After Cover-Up – June 2025 – Tucson, Arizona

Tucson police arrested Pastor Isaac Noriega for failing to report repeated child sexual abuse allegations against church member Jose Mora. Noriega was informed of multiple incidents where Mora inappropri touched young boys from the congregation. Despite this knowledge and a direct admission from Mora, the pastor did not alert law enforcement. Noriega now faces two counts related to the neglect of a minor.

#6 Archbishop Resigns Over Abuse Scandal – November 2024 – United Kingdom

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned after an independent investigation found he failed to report serial abuse by John Smyth. Welby learned of the physical and sexual violence in 2013 but did not notify authorities, allowing Smyth’s abuse to continue. Smyth’s crimes, spanning decades, victimized over 100 boys and young men in the UK and Africa. Welby acknowledged personal and institutional failure, stating stepping aside was in the church’s best interest.

#7 San Diego Pastor Ignored Reporting Law – June 2024 – San Diego, California

San Diego authorities charged Pastor Eric Manuel Merino of Victory Outreach Church for failing to report the sexual abuse of a teenage girl by choir leader Rafael Valentin Magana. As a mandated reporter, Merino was legally required to notify law enforcement or child services after learning of the crime. Magana was later convicted of a felony lewd act with a minor.

#8 Oklahoma Megachurch Staff Charged – November 2019 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Five Victory Christian Center employees were charged with failing to report child abuse. The charges followed the arrest of two former employees: Chris Denman, accused of raping a girl under 14, and Israel Castillo, accused of sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old. The five staff members, including pastors’ family members, knew of the allegations but did not report them as required by law. All were booked into jail and released on bond.

#9 Indiana Pastor Knew, Didn’t Report – July 2019 – Jasper, Indiana

Pastor Howard Geck of Jasper Apostolic Church was charged for failing to report child abuse allegations against church member Dexter Hensley. Police discovered that juveniles had disclosed incidents of molestation and sexual battery to Geck two years prior, but he never notified authorities. The failure to report allowed Hensley to remain a potential threat within the community. Geck faced a Class B misdemeanor, a charge critics argue is too lenient for such a grave failure of responsibility.

#10 Alabama Pastor Ignored Girl’s Plea – September 2017 – Huntsville, Alabama

Pastor Michael Walker of Southside Baptist Church was charged with a misdemeanor for failing to report suspected child sexual abuse. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, reported being fondled by former sheriff’s investigator Roland Campos to Walker in March 2017. Despite this direct disclosure, the pastor did not notify law enforcement or child protection services. Campos was arrested months later in August. Walker was released on bond, facing a Class C misdemeanor.

#11 Vatican Officials Probed in France – March 2016 – Lyon, France

Senior officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lyon, including Archbishop Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, were investigated for failing to report clergy sexual abuse. Father Bernard Preynat was indicted for abusing young Scouts between 1986 and 1991. Prosecutors found that senior Vatican officials were aware of Preynat’s crimes but did not report them to police, violating French law. Authorities investigated them for endangering lives and non-reporting of a crime.

#12 Tulsa Megachurch Delayed Reporting Rape – September 2012 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Leaders at Victory Christian Center faced charges for delaying the report of a 13-year-old girl’s rape. The assault occurred on church property, and the victim disclosed it three days later. However, staff, including the senior pastor’s son and daughter-in-law, waited two weeks before notifying authorities, violating mandatory reporting laws. Two janitors were arrested; one for the rape and another for making a lewd proposal.

#13 Tongan Pastor Failed to Protect Boys – December 2012 – West Valley City, Utah

Former Tongan United Methodist pastor Filimone Havili Mone was charged and removed from his position for failing to report child abuse. Mone learned that an older boy in the congregation had sexually abused several young boys but did not alert authorities. This inaction violated both state law and the United Methodist Church’s mandatory reporting policy. His removal by national church leadership demonstrated an institutional attempt to enforce accountability.

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The Kerala Police have registered a case under non-bailable sections against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil after a woman accused him of sexually abusing her under the pretext of marriage and coercing her into terminating a pregnancy. The case, initially filed at the Valiyamala police station, was later transferred to the Nemom station for further investigation.

According to the complaint, the woman met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday evening and submitted a detailed account of alleged sexual abuse, threats, and forced abortion. The Chief Minister’s Office immediately handed over the complaint to Law and Order ADGP H. Venkatesh, following which the police recorded the woman’s statement and registered the FIR.

The FIR states that Rahul allegedly abused the woman on three separate occasions in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad after promising marriage and that the acts were secretly recorded. When she became pregnant, the MLA allegedly pressured her to terminate the pregnancy, telling her it would affect his political prospects. She told investigators that she was forced to take abortion pills without a medical prescription and suffered severe bleeding. The complaint further alleges that when she resisted, she was blackmailed using the videotaped incidents.

The woman is said to have produced audio, video and text message evidence to support her complaint. Police officials confirmed that a lookout notice has been issued to prevent the MLA from leaving the country. Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP S. Sudarshan is currently leading the investigation, though the case may be transferred to the Crime Branch or to a special team headed by a woman IPS officer.

The complaint marks a significant setback for the Congress ahead of the local body elections. The developments have also deepened internal discord within the party, where senior leaders are divided over Mamkootathil’s future.

This is not the first allegation faced by the MLA. An SIT had previously registered a case based on third-party complaints of cyberstalking, though the investigation stalled as the victim did not file a formal complaint. Earlier, an actress had also alleged that the MLA misbehaved with her, after which several sexual harassment accusations surfaced, ultimately leading to his suspension from the Youth Congress.

Despite the controversies, the local body election campaign saw Mamkootathil re-emerge publicly as he canvassed for Congress candidates in Palakkad. While the party did not involve him in organisational meetings, certain leaders, including MP K. Sudhakaran, had indicated support for his return to active politics.

Following news of the latest FIR, Rahul Mamkootathil posted on Facebook claiming innocence and stating that he would prove his case legally.

(Source: The New Indian Express)

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Kasaragod police have uncovered a grave case of child sexual abuse, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including a senior education official and a Railway Protection Force officer, for exploiting a 16-year-old schoolboy. The accused allegedly lured the boy through Grindr; a dating and networking application primarily used within the LGBTQ community.

In total, 16 people have been named in as many cases filed across four districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam. Among those arrested is Sainudeen V.K. (52), Assistant Education Officer of Bekal sub-district, who has since been suspended from service. Another high-profile arrest is Chitraraj Eravil (48), an RPF officer and state-level football coach. The list of accused also includes Kunhahammed (55), linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and the brother of a prominent CPM leader, as well as Sukesh (30), Afsal (23), Shijith (36), Rayees (30), Ramzan (64), and Narayanan Chambrakanam (60).

Police have identified Siraj Vadakumpad (46), Youth League General Secretary of Trikaripur Panchayat, as the 10th accused. Known locally for his role in mediating disputes, he has since gone underground. “A lookout circular has been issued against him,” confirmed Kasaragod District Police Chief B.V. Vijaya Bharat Reddy.

According to investigators, the abuse began when the boy was just 14 years old and continued for two years. Ten of the 16 cases are being handled by Chandera Police Station, while the remaining have been transferred to Payyannur in Kannur, Kasaba in Kozhikode, and Elamakkara in Ernakulam.

The case surfaced after the victim’s mother noticed unusual behaviour, including strangers visiting their home and suspicious activity on his phone. She approached the police, who then involved Childline. During counselling, the boy revealed the extent of the abuse. Police confirmed that Grindr had suspended his account once it detected he was a minor.

Authorities stated that most of the accused men were married with families. They would allegedly offer cash to the boy, though he did not demand it. The victim had created a false adult profile on Grindr out of curiosity, which led him into contact with the accused.

The men now face charges under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code along with multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including penetrative and aggravated penetrative sexual assault, repeated assault, and using a minor for pornographic purposes.

The Kasaragod cases are currently being investigated by Station House Officers from Chandera, Cheemeni, Vellarikundu, Nileshwar, and Chittarikkal police stations.

(With inputs from Onmanorama)

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The post Kasaragod Minor Sex Abuse Case: 9 Including Senior Education Official, RPF Officer Arrested Among 14 Accused appeared first on The Commune.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) staged a demonstration in Nagercoil on [date], demanding the immediate release of a 55-year-old Pentecostal pastor arrested last week under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy during a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program in Kanyakumari district.

The protestors, led by VCK district functionaries, gathered outside the Nagercoil Collectorate, claiming the arrest of Pastor Varghese was “politically motivated” and an “attack on religious freedom.”

This comes after the Thuckalay Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on a complaint by the minor’s family, who alleged their son was abused during a church-run VBS program. The victim reportedly returned home traumatized, with visible injuries, and revealed the assault after days of distress.

Pastor’s Troubled History

Investigations reveal this is not the first accusation against Varghese. In 2008, a married woman had accused him of sexual exploitation under the guise of “spiritual counseling,” but no FIR was filed. Sources claim the matter was suppressed due to political influence during the DMK regime under M. Karunanidhi.

Police sources also indicate that Varghese’s phone contains disturbing images and videos of multiple alleged victims, including minors and women, yet no further cases have been registered.

The VCK’s protest has sparked controversy, with critics questioning why a party that champions Dalit and minority rights is rallying behind an accused child predator. Social activists allege a broader pattern of impunity for church-linked figures in Tamil Nadu, where such cases are often buried due to political and institutional protection.

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A shocking allegation has emerged from Kanyakumari district involving the reported sexual abuse of a 17-year-old boy during a Vacation Bible School (VBS) run by a Pentecostal Church. The case leads one to question the alleged political protection for certain religious groups and long-standing systemic inaction by authorities in Tamil Nadu under the DMK government.

What Happened?

According to the account, the minor attended a VBS program where he was allegedly sexually harassed overnight by a 55-year-old religious preacher named Varghese, after asking him alone to stay back while telling the others to leave. The boy reportedly returned home visibly distressed, with facial swelling and an inability to speak. For days, he avoided eating and suffered emotional trauma before revealing the incident to his parents.

The parents, initially hopeful for justice, allegedly faced resistance from local church officials and were discouraged from approaching the police. Two months later, failing to obtain any internal resolution, they sought police assistance.

He was arrested about a week ago under POCSO Act after the Thuckalay Police registered a case under the Act.

Repeat Offender

Disturbingly, this isn’t the first accusation against Varghese. Records indicate a similar complaint was filed against him in 2008 by a married woman who alleged sexual exploitation under the guise of “spiritual counselling.” However, no FIR was registered at the time, with sources claiming the matter was “settled” quietly due to political pressure.

That earlier complaint allegedly, was never formally registered as an FIR due to political influence during the then DMK government under M. Karunanidhi, a time when significant foreign funding was said to be flowing into church infrastructure in the state.

It is alleged that Varghese’s phone contains images and videos of several minors and women allegedly abused by him, yet no action has been taken against him.

Church-DMK Govt Nexus?

It is alleged that there seems to be a “pattern of impunity” for certain church-affiliated individuals in Tamil Nadu, with serious accusations that complaints involving Christian religious preachers often fail to result in FIRs, allegedly due to political and police pressure over the years; that the DMK government is “overly influenced” by church networks that are said to deliver consolidated votes during elections, and that Christian institutions exercise strong social control including through burial rights over their members, using them as leverage to suppress dissent.

It is alleged that the incident was “not an isolated assault” but part of a decades-long lack of accountability for crimes involving certain religious leaders. Contrast this instance with any incident allegedly involving Hindus. Critics argue that one can observe swift action when accusations involve Hindu preachers. It is alleged that for over 40 years, such offences have rarely led to prosecution and that victims often remain silent for fear of social consequences.

Is there a possible link between the continued political influence of church leadership in Tamil Nadu to their ability to direct block votes? Has this resulted in preferential treatment for Christian religious institutions in matters of policing and governance? Critics argue that the state government ought to take burial grounds used by churches under state control, arguing that this would remove a key source of coercive authority from religious institutions.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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The Almora Police of Uttarakhand arrested Mohammad Kamaluddin, a teacher teaching in a government school in Chaukhutia, on 24 October 2024, for kidnapping a 17-year-old student by giving her a lift and then raping her. In this report, we will look at 17 major incidents of sexual abuse/harassment of Hindu students by Islamist teachers in various states of India from the year 2019 to 2024.

#1. Teacher Allegedly Assaulted Student Under False Pretense of Offering a Lift

On 24 October 2024, a teacher named Kamaluddin from Chaukhutia, Almora, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old student. The student, who had gone out to buy stationery, was reportedly given a lift by the teacher. However, instead of safely taking her home, Kamaluddin is accused of raping the student and threatening her with death if she spoke about the assault. The case was filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

#2. Hindu Female Students Allegedly Forced to Wear Hijab During School Event

In Sonipat, Haryana, on 11 September 2024, Hindu female students were reportedly forced to wear hijabs during a school play in Badauli village. The incident sparked outrage after pictures of the play circulated on social media. Concerned parents filed complaints, claiming that their daughters were pressured into wearing the hijab during the event. An FIR has been filed in connection with the incident, and authorities are investigating the matter.

#3. Teacher Allegedly Influenced Hindu Students To Read Quran

On 4 July 2024, a teacher named Rizwan, who worked at a coaching center in Shakurpur, Delhi, allegedly influenced two Hindu students to begin reading the Quran. According to reports, Rizwan told the students that Islam was superior to Hinduism. The children shared this information with their father, prompting him to file a complaint. An FIR was registered in response to the allegations, and an investigation is ongoing.

#4. Tuition Teacher Arrested For Allegedly Abusing A Four-Year-Old Girl

On 24 March 2024, in Pandav Nagar, East Delhi, a tuition teacher named Appu, also known as Arman, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a four-year-old girl who had come to his home for lessons. The teacher is reported to have threatened the child to prevent her from revealing the incident. After the child’s health suddenly deteriorated, she was admitted to AIIMS from Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital and was fortunately treated in time. A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the accused was arrested.

5. Teacher Allegedly Changed Student’s Religion On Paper

On 24 February 2024, in Khajuri village, Kota district, Rajasthan, a teacher named Firoz was accused of changing a Hindu student’s religion from Hindu to Muslim in her Transfer Certificate (TC) at a Senior Secondary School. The student’s family lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that the teacher had made several attempts to coerce them into offering namaz at school and had attempted to use a “conversion toolkit.” An FIR has been filed in response to the incident.

6. Teacher Allegedly Pressured Hindu Children To Convert To Islam

In December 2023, a Muslim tuition teacher in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh allegedly pressured Hindu children to convert to Islam while teaching at Gaur Siddhartham Society, Siddharth Vihar. The teacher is also accused of threatening the children with harm if they disclosed these conversations to anyone. The accused was arrested following the complaint.

7. Muslim Teacher Got 5th-Grade Hindu Student Beaten Up By Muslim Students

On 28 September 2023, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim teacher named Shaista allegedly got a fifth-grade student beaten up by another Muslim student in the class. The incident occurred at St. Anthony School in Dugawar village, where Nitin Kumar Tyagi’s son, a class 5 student, was asked a question by the teacher. When the student could not answer, Shaista reportedly instructed a Muslim classmate to slap him multiple times. An FIR was lodged following the complaint about the incident.

8. Teacher Allegedly Tortured Student, Leading to Suicide

In May 2023, a Hindu student, Jyoti, studying at the Government Women Polytechnic College in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly subjected to both mental and physical torture by her teacher, Muhammad Arif. The abuse led to Jyoti tragically taking her own life in her hostel room. The accused was arrested following the incident.

9. Tribal Hindu Girls Allegedly Pressured To Convert

In July 2023, in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, a teacher named Nafees Ahmed was arrested after being accused of harassing tribal Hindu girls at a local school. The teacher allegedly called the girls alone, pressured them to convert to Islam, and threatened to fail them if they refused. When one of the victims reported the teacher’s behavior to the school principal, the principal allegedly pressured her to settle the matter without taking any disciplinary action. The accused was arrested in connection with the incident.

10. Hindu Student Allegedly Trapped In Love And Forced To Convert

In December 2022, Kalimullah Sheikh, a teacher at a coaching institute in Siwan, Bihar, reportedly posed as Sameer and lured a Hindu girl into a love trap. He then allegedly took her to a madrasa, where they were married, and forced her to convert to Islam after the marriage. An FIR was filed following the incident.

11. Hindu Student Allegedly Raped After Being Lured Into Love Trap

In Begusarai, Bihar, in November 2022, a coaching teacher, Mohammad Aamir, allegedly trapped a Hindu student in a love scheme, which led to him raping her. Following the assault, Aamir reportedly filmed an obscene video of the victim and blackmailed her, eventually taking her away from her home. The accused was arrested in connection with the crime.

12. Teacher Allegedly Exploitde Student And Forced Conversion

In November 2022, Shamim Khan, a government teacher in Bina, Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, is accused of sexually abusing a minor girl student and pressuring her to convert to Islam. The abuse was allegedly linked to a debt owed by the girl’s father to the teacher. An FIR was filed in the case, and the accused was arrested.

13. Teacher Allegedly Broke Religious Thread And Made Derogatory Remarks

In September 2022, Saif Ali, a teacher at a private school in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly broke the Kalawa (a religious thread) worn by an 11-year-old Hindu student and made derogatory remarks about Hinduism. The incident sparked protests from several Hindu organizations in the city. The accused was arrested following the incident.

14. Teacher Allegedly Behaved Inappropriately with Hindu Student

In March 2022, Azhar alias Aurangzeb, the operator of a coaching center in the Kanoon Goyan locality of Faridpur, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was accused of behaving inappropriately with a Hindu student, pressuring her to accompany him to his home. The student reportedly stated that the teacher had not acted inappropriately with any other girls at the coaching center. An FIR was lodged in response to the incident

15. Teacher Allegedly Disrespected Hindu Religious Texts And Deities

In Gaya, Bihar in December 2021, Sadaf Jahan, a Muslim female teacher, was arrested after allegedly forcing a fourth-grade Hindu student (the son of an ISKCON temple priest) to throw a Srimad Bhagavad Gita into the trash. The teacher also reportedly made derogatory remarks about Hindu gods and goddesses. Sadaf had threatened to skin the child if he told anyone about throwing the Bhagavad Gita in the dustbin. The entire incident was known to the principal of the school, Amina Khatoon, but she suppressed it. FIR was lodged following the incident.

16. 9th Grade Hindu Girl Allegedly Gangraped By Coaching Institute Director

In January 2020, Mohammad Javed, the director of Brilliant Coaching Centre in Chainpur Bazar, in Siwan, Bihar, was arrested after allegedly gangraping a 9th-grade Hindu student. The victim was found unconscious in the toilet of the institute. Following an investigation, the police arrested Javed, along with two other individuals, Miraj and Mohammad Arif, in connection with the incident.

17. Muslim Teacher Allegedly Kidnapped Hindu Student

In December 2019, Mohammad Danish, a Maths teacher from Khagaul, Patna, Bihar, allegedly lured a 15-year-old Hindu student into a love trap before kidnapping her from her home. The police later tracked him down in the Danapur area after he fled with the victim to Kolkata. The victim’s family claimed that Danish had kidnapped the girl with the intent to rape and forcefully convert her religion. The accused was arrested following the incident.

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Allegations of sexual abuse against children within churches across the globe reveal a disturbing pattern that spans decades and continents. Reports from 18 countries have surfaced, highlighting thousands of cases where children, including boys, were victimized by clergy and other church officials. Many survivors do not come forward until later in life, often after the age of 50, when the opportunity for justice is limited due to the passage of time and the aging or death of the perpetrators.

Church institutions are often accused of suppressing these cases, silencing victims, and shielding accused clergy members. Instead of facing consequences, many accused priests are reassigned to different locations, where their actions often remain hidden from the public eye. In some cases, the institutions offer public apologies or financial settlements to address the fallout from scandals, but critics argue that these measures do little to prevent future abuse.

Historical data points to systemic abuse dating back to the mid-20th century or earlier. For instance, between 1950 and 2018, the Catholic Church in the United States received credible accusations involving 7,002 clergy members. In Ireland, it is estimated that nearly 15,000 minors were abused by clergy between 1970 and 1990.

High-profile cases have brought international attention to the issue. In Australia, Cardinal George Pell, a former Vatican finance chief, was convicted in 2018 of sexually abusing choirboys in the 1990s. Similarly, in France, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin received a six-month suspended sentence in 2019 for covering up abuse by a priest.

Germany’s Protestant churches have also faced scrutiny. A January 2024 report revealed that 9,355 children and young people were sexually abused in Protestant churches and charities since 1946, involving an estimated 3,497 perpetrators, about a third of whom were clergy or religious officials.

Research shows that over half of child sexual abuse survivors delay reporting until middle age or later. This delay, compounded by institutional cover-ups, allows many perpetrators to avoid accountability, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and impunity.

Let us take a look at 26 incidents of child abuse in 18 countries around the world.

#1 USA – Rephidim Church Pastor Ron Killingsworth Sentenced For Child Sex Crimes

Pastor Ronnie Allen Killingsworth, 79, of Wichita Falls, was convicted on 7 May 2024, on six counts of indecency with a child by contact involving three underage victims between 2000 and 2011. On 8 May 2024, the jury sentenced him to 84 years in prison and $60,000 in fines. Sentences for four counts will run concurrently, with two running consecutively, meaning Killingsworth must serve 21 years before parole eligibility, at age 100. Victims testified about the trauma caused by the abuse and trial.

#2 USA – Former Youth Pastor Arrested For Sexual Assault.

Hipolito Gomez-Perdomo, a former youth pastor from Fort Collins, was arrested in March 2024 for sexually assaulting multiple children over three decades. Investigations began in 2023 after a victim reported abuse from the early 2000s and revealed other teenagers had also been harmed. A reopened 2019 case and a new victim’s account of late 1990s abuse led to his arrest. Gomez-Perdomo, associated with Vida Abundante church, faces multiple felony charges and a $200,000 bond. Authorities suspect more victims and encourage them to come forward.

#3 USA – AG Releases Report On Sexual Abuse Allegations At Gaylord Catholic Diocese

In January 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report detailing sexual abuse allegations against 26 priests and two deacons in the Diocese of Gaylord between 1951 and 2021. The 130-page report revealed systemic cover-ups, with most cases uncharged due to statutes of limitations. Allegations include abuse by clergy who remained active in the ministry despite credible accusations. Recent cases include inappropriate behavior, social media misconduct, and abuse allegations. Nessel emphasized transparency and victim support, acknowledging the survivors’ courage in speaking out. The report highlighted longstanding issues within the Catholic Church, aiming to help victims heal and prevent future abuse.

#4 USA – Illinois Report Details Scale Of Catholic Clergy Sex Abuse

In May 2023, a report by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul revealed 451 Catholic clergy sexually abused 1,997 children in the state since 1950, far exceeding the 103 abusers the Church initially acknowledged. Triggered by a 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report, the nearly 700-page document exposes harrowing accounts of abuse, ignored allegations, and systemic failures, including relocating abusers like notorious predator Father Daniel McCormack. Survivors faced lasting mental health struggles, and advocacy group SNAP criticized the Church’s weak policies. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich apologized and pledged vigilance, while SNAP urged further investigations, renaming buildings linked to abusers, and honoring survivors with memorials.

#5 USA – Catholic Priests Abused 1,000 Children In Pennsylvania

In August 2018, a Pennsylvania grand jury report exposed decades of sexual abuse by over 300 Catholic priests, harming more than 1,000 children across six dioceses. The nearly 900-page report detailed harrowing accounts, including priests impregnating minors, raping boys as young as seven, and collecting disturbing trophies from abused girls. Most cases were too old for prosecution, though two priests faced charges. The report revealed systemic cover-ups by church leaders, who protected abusers and ignored victims. It called for abolishing statutes of limitations on child abuse and expanding legal recourse for survivors.

#6 – Wisconsin Priest Accused Of Molesting 200 Deaf Boys

In 2010, Rev. Lawrence Murphy, a Catholic priest, was accused of molesting around 200 deaf boys at St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee from the 1950s to 1974. Victims recount harrowing abuse, including assaults in the confessional and dormitories. Despite appeals by Wisconsin bishops in the 1990s to hold a church trial, the Vatican, led by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, declined due to the time elapsed and Murphy’s ill health. Murphy, who died in 1998, escaped prosecution due to statutes of limitations. The Vatican denied a cover-up, sparking criticism of Pope Benedict XVI’s handling of the case and wider clerical abuse.

#7 USA – Fr. Rodrigue Sentenced To 10 Years For Abusing 150 Victims

In 1992, Fr. Rodrigue was accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment and abuse, with victims including altar boys and other minors who served in the dioceses where he worked. According to a report by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Fr. Rodrigue admitted to sexually abusing an average of four to five children each year. After further investigation, a total of 150 victims were identified. Fr. Rodrigue was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes.

#8 Germany – Report Reveals Over 9,000 Victims Of Sexual Abuse In Germany’s Protestant Churches and Charities

A 2024 study revealed that more than 9,000 people have suffered sexual abuse within Germany’s Protestant churches and charities since 1946. The 871-page report, compiled by independent researchers, found that incidents of abuse were much higher than previously known, with 9,355 children and young people abused by an estimated 3,497 perpetrators, a third of whom were religious figures. Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, acting president of the Council of the Protestant Church of Germany, took responsibility for the abuse and pledged to implement measures to prevent future crimes, offering heartfelt apologies to the victims.

#9 Spain – Spanish Church Sexual Abuse Affected 200,000 Children

In 2023, an independent commission in Spain revealed that more than 200,000 children have suffered sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. The 700-page report, commissioned by Spain’s ombudsman, highlighted the devastating impact on victims and criticizes the Church for its silence and attempts to cover up the abuse. A survey of 800,000 people found that 0.6% of the adult population reported suffering abuse by clergy, with the number rising to 1.13% when including lay people in Church-run institutions.

#10 Switzerland – Swiss Catholic Church Inquiry Uncovered Nearly 1,000 Abuse Cases

In September 2023, an official inquiry into the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland identified nearly 1,000 cases of sexual abuse since 1950, with most victims being male children. The report, compiled by researchers from the University of Zurich, found evidence of widespread cover-ups, including destroyed records and unreported cases. Over half of the abuse occurred during pastoral activities such as confession and religious education, while 30% took place in institutions like children’s homes and schools. The Church’s response to these cases often prioritized its reputation over victim welfare, with abusive clerics reassigned rather than prosecuted.

#11 Bolivia – 35 Catholic Clergy Members Investigated Over Sexual Abuse Claims

In June 2023, Bolivian prosecutors investigated 35 Catholic clergy members following accusations of sexual abuse by over a dozen victims. The probe began after the discovery of a Spanish priest’s diary, revealing his abuse of over 80 minors in Bolivia. The diary, found in 2023, also implicated senior clergy in covering up the crimes. While 17 victims were identified, the full extent of the diary remains unclear. Bolivian authorities sought to obtain the complete document and work with Spanish prosecutors.

#12 Ireland – Report Exposes Widespread Abuse By Priests In Baltimore Archdiocese

In 2023, a Maryland Attorney General’s report revealed that over 150 priests and associates from the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused more than 600 children, with the actual number likely much higher. The 463-page report highlighted a systemic cover-up and a failure by Church leadership to adequately investigate abuse complaints. Victims faced long-term trauma, including mental health issues. Archbishop William Lori apologized for the Church’s past failures.

#13 Ireland – Abuse Claims Against St. John Of God Order

In 2022, the Irish branch of the St. John of God order, which ran special schools in Ireland, received over 130 child sexual abuse allegations, including 34 new claims since a 2015 safeguarding review. The review had already identified 97 allegations, with 12 civil cases ongoing. The accusations involved 41 members of the order, including incidents in Africa and the UK. Despite these claims, no members were convicted or placed on the sex offenders register.

#14 Ireland – Child Sexual Abuse In The Catholic Church

Accusations of clerical sexual abuse in Ireland, once regarded as the world’s most Catholic country, began emerging in the 1980s, causing profound shock across the nation. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 children were victims of clerical sex abuse between 1970 and 1990. The 2009 Ryan Commission report revealed extensive abuse in Catholic-run institutions from the 1930s to the 1970s.

#15 Portugal – Over 4,800 Child Abuse Victims In Catholic Church

In 2023, a report by the Independent Commission for the Study of Child Sexual Abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church estimated that over 4,800 children were abused by priests and church members since 1950. More than 100 suspected abusers remain active in the church. The investigation, which included testimonies from 512 victims, revealed widespread abuse, with the majority of abusers being priests. Many victims were threatened with blackmail, leading to silence.

#16 Italy – Italian Church Report on Clergy Abuse Criticized

In 2022, the Italian Catholic Church released its first report on sexual abuse cases, covering 2020-2021. The report documented 89 victims and accused 68 people, primarily priests and lay workers. Victims were mostly aged 15-18, with 16 adults considered “vulnerable.” Critics, including victims’ groups, argue the report’s scope is limited and fails to include cases before 2020 or Vatican archives, deeming it inadequate. Survivors’ group Rete L’Abuso estimated around 1 million victims in Italy, calling for a comprehensive investigation similar to those in France and Germany.

#17 United Kingdom – Church of England Finds 383 New Abuse Cases

In 2022, the Church of England’s review of past abuse cases uncovered 383 new allegations involving clergy, Church officers, and volunteers, with 168 related to children and 149 to vulnerable adults. The report, prompted by criticism of a 2010 review, highlights systemic issues within the Church, including victim-blaming and inaction. Despite apologies from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, survivors remain critical, with some feeling betrayed by the process.

#18 Canada – Pope Francis Apologizes for Abuse at Canadian Residential Schools

During his 2022 visit to Canada, Pope Francis issued a heartfelt apology for sexual abuse at Catholic-run residential schools for Indigenous children, acknowledging the Church’s deep failure and the pain caused. At the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, he spoke of the “burden of failure” felt by the Church, reflecting on the scandal of abuse and the forced cultural assimilation of over 150,000 children. Survivors criticized the initial apology for lacking specific mention of sexual abuse, though the pope continued to address these concerns.

#19 New Zealand – Church Faces Alarming Abuse Findings

A 2022 investigation into the New Zealand Catholic Church revealed 1,680 reports of abuse against clergy, religious figures, and laypeople from 1950 to today. The findings, which were part of a Royal Commission inquiry, show that 14% of diocesan clergy were accused of abuse, with nearly half involving sexual harm. The majority of abuse occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. Cardinal John Dew described the figures as “horrifying,” expressing deep shame.

#20 Mexico – 175 Children Abused By Mexican Church

At least 175 children were sexually assaulted by priests belonging to an ultra-conservative Mexican branch of the Roman Catholic Church, according to an internal report in 2019. The founder of the Legionaries of Christ, Marcial Maciel, abused as many as 60 children, with a total of 33 priests or deacons acknowledged to have committed sexual assaults against minors since 1941, the document said. The findings of the report, written by a commission created in June by the director general of the group, Eduardo Robles-Gil– spans from the group’s founding in 1941 until 16 December 2019.

#21 France – French Catholic Church Abuse Inquiry: 216,000 Victims

In 2021, an inquiry into sexual abuse within the French Catholic Church revealed that 216,000 children, mostly boys, were abused by clergy since 1950, with a potential total of 330,000 victims including lay members. The report identified 2,900-3,200 abusers, primarily priests, and highlighted a “cruel indifference” from the Church towards victims. Many cases are too old to prosecute, but the inquiry urged the Church to take responsibility, offer compensation, and implement prevention measures.

#22 Poland – 369 Sexual Abuse Cases Reported By Polish Catholic Church

A report from the Polish Catholic Church revealed 369 cases of sexual abuse, reported between July 2018 and the end of 2020, involving incidents from 1958 to 2020. 39% of the allegations were confirmed, with investigations ongoing for over 50% of the remaining cases. The report followed the release of previous data, with 382 clergy accused of abusing 625 minors from 1990 to 2018.

#23 Australia – Child sexual abuse In Catholic Church

Australia’s Royal Commission said in February 2017 that most of the abuse took place in churches, with 7% of Catholic priests accused of abusing children in Australia between 1950 and 2010. It said allegations were almost never investigated. It found that 4,444 alleged incidents of child sexual abuse had been reported to Church authorities. In some dioceses, more than 15% of priests were perpetrators.

#24 Argentina – Two Catholic Priests Found Guilty Of Sexually Assaulting Deaf Children

In 2019, an Argentine court found two priests and a lay worker guilty of the sexual abuse of 10 former students of a Catholic school for the deaf. The incident of abuse of male and female students at the Antonio Provolo Institute for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children in the western Argentine city of Luján de Cuyo between 2004 and 2016.

#25 Chile – Clergy Abuse Scandal

In 2018, nearly 80 Roman Catholic clergy members were accused of sexually abusing children in Chile since 2000, according to a report by US-based BishopAccountability.org. The group compiled the list using court and media records, noting it represented just a fraction of those accused. The database included prominent figures like Fernando Karadima, convicted by the Vatican but not Chile.

#26 Belgium – Belgium Church Abuse Scandal

A 2010 report by Peter Adriaenssens, Belgium’s leading expert on paedophilia, revealed 476 instances of child abuse by priests and bishops over the past 50 years. The harrowing testimonies, collected from hundreds of victims, documented abuse across nearly every diocese and church-run school in Belgium. The report highlighted the immense suffering, with several victims having committed suicide or attempted it. Adriaenssens compared the findings to Belgium’s notorious Dutroux case, noting the abuse was most prevalent in the 1960s but persists.

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The post Sexual Abuse In Churches: A Global Issue Of Systematic Cover-ups And Silenced Victims, Here Are 26 Instances appeared first on The Commune.

Dr. Oumair Aejaz, a 40-year-old physician of Indian origin, has been charged with a series of sex crimes involving children and adults in Oakland County, Michigan. The charges include child sexual abuse, secretly filming minors and adults, and other related offences. Authorities have described him as a “prolific and disturbing sexual predator.”

Charges Against Oumair Aejaz

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who led the investigation, called Aejaz “one of the most disgusting, potentially prolific and disturbing sexual predators” he has encountered. Authorities discovered thousands of videos in Aejaz’s residence, with one hard drive alone containing 13,000 videos. Investigators estimate it could take months to examine all the digital evidence thoroughly.

Officials formally charged Aejaz on August 13 in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills. The charges against him include:

• One count of child sexually abusive activity.
• One count of using a computer to create or reproduce child sexually abusive material.
• Two counts of capturing/recording nude children under 18.
• Two counts of capturing/recording nude women over 18.
• Four counts of using a computer to commit a crime.

The investigation revealed that Aejaz allegedly placed hidden cameras in various locations, including changing rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, and hospital rooms. Among the most disturbing incidents was the recording of children and their mothers in the changing rooms of the Goldfish Swim School in Rochester in 2023.

His Depravity Has No Limits

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald expressed her outrage, stating, “From a 2-year-old boy to grown women, no one is immune from his disgusting predatory behaviour.”

She emphasized the severity of the crimes, saying, “Violating children in safe spaces as they change for a fun swim or sexually violating women who are still under sedation from a medical procedure shows his depravity has no limits.”

https://twitter.com/trunicle/status/1826426376532230653

Background And Investigation

Dr. Oumair Aejaz, a native of India, has been living and working in the United States on a visa since 2011. He completed his residency at Detroit’s Sinai Grace Hospital, moved to Alabama and returned to Michigan in 2018.

Aejaz primarily worked as a contract physician at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc. He also worked at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township. However, investigators believe his activities may extend to other locations and states.

The investigation into Aejaz’s activities began after his wife provided concerning materials to the authorities. Then, on August 8 2024, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office got a search warrant. This search led to the seizure of six computers, four cell phones, and 15 external storage devices. Sheriff Bouchard noted that the investigation could take up to six months due to the extensive digital evidence.

He also said that Aejaz’s criminal activities may date back at least six years. 

Sheriff Bouchard stated, “It’s not just children; it’s not just women. It’s not just men. It goes from a 2-year-old to a grown woman. The victimization is so broad, and the perversion is so great that we’re just beginning to wrap our arms around it.”

Oumair Aejaz is held on a $2 million bond in the Oakland County Jail. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim to contact the County Sheriff’s Office.

Mainstream Media Silence

This case has already sparked widespread concern and highlights the importance of vigilance in public and private spaces in Detroit. However, the news was reported only on local channels, and Indian mainstream media has yet to pick up on this issue.

A pattern of secularizing news stories, especially if the perpetrator involved is an Islamist, is seen in Indian news media. It is visible when it comes to reporting crimes committed by members of a specific community in India with leftist mouthpieces such as The News Minute, The Wire, Quint, etc, leading from the front.

However, such mouthpieces do not shy away from exposing the victim or the perpetrator’s caste/religion if it were a Hindu.

The West is coming to terms with the activities of the Islamists in their countries, and it seems that they still have not realized how one specific community can create havoc. We have seen it in India over the years, but the West needs to open its eyes before it’s too late. There is an urgent need for media globally to report facts without whitewashing them.

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The post ‘Prolific And Disturbing’ Predator: Oumair Aejaz, Indian-Origin Physician Charged With Shocking Sex Crimes Against Children & Adults In Michigan appeared first on The Commune.

A Maulana in Gujarat’s Junagadh district who was appointed to teach Urdu has been arrested for committing unnatural sexual acts with at least ten underage students.

According to a report by Hindu Post, the teacher who is aged 25 took advantage of his position and sexually abused children at the residential school/madrasa where he taught.

Following a complaint by a 17-year-old boy, the Mangrol police filed a First Information Report (FIR) on Sunday against both suspects, charging them under sections 377 (unnatural intercourse), 323 (assault), 506-2 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

Havas Ka Maulana !

An Islamic cleric (Maulana), 25-yr-old madrasa teacher arrested for unnatural r*pe with atleast 10 minor students, in Junagadh, Gujarat

He was the Urdu teacher at the Madrasa, students used to attend the Madrasa for religious teachings and he r*ped the… pic.twitter.com/I9W0BacMHK

— Ashwini Shrivastava (@AshwiniSahaya) October 26, 2023

Additionally, the 55-year-old trustee of the madrasa has also been apprehended for ignoring the students’ complaints about the teacher’s behavior, as confirmed by a statement from Junagadh Police on Monday, 23 October 2023. The teacher who had managed to escape was found hiding in Surat and taken into custody, while the madrasa trustee, was detained in Junagadh.

The incident came to light when a student from the residential school, located on the Mangrol-Veraval bypass, used a teacher’s mobile phone to contact his mother and report the inappropriate actions of the Maulana with the students. Subsequently, the woman contacted the police and filed a complaint, alleging that the madrasa teacher had sexually assaulted students living and studying in the school.

On October 21, the police visited the madrasa premises and, with the help of some Muslim leaders, gained the trust of the students. Ten boys studying at the madrasa revealed that they had been subjected to these acts by the Maulana, who had also threatened to harm them if they reported the incidents to their parents.

Furthermore, the students stated that when they approached the madrasa’s trustee to file a complaint, he took no action in response. As the trustee realized that a case would be filed against the teacher, he assisted the teacher in fleeing the area.

Junagadh’s Superintendent of Police, Harshad Mehta, visited the madrasa as part of the investigation and assured the parents of the students that the police would conduct a fair and impartial inquiry into the matter.

The pattern of reporting sexual abuse of children in Madrasas by Muslim teachers is now regularly seeing the light of day. Previously attempts were made to hide such instances of abuse to keep the good name of Madrasas. However, there are monthly reports of 10-15 such distressing cases emerging from various Madarsas across the country, involving clerics engaging in the sexual exploitation of underage children.

But the fact is, the number of officially reported cases to the police could be much lower as many many individuals, families, and members of Muslim society refrain or restrain from filing complaints due to fear and the associated social stigma attached to such incidents.

(With inputs from Hindu Post)

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The post Maulana In Gujarat’s Junagadh Arrested For Sexually Abusing And Sodomizing Minor Students appeared first on The Commune.

Four staff members of a private hostel for children at Thirupparaithurai in Tiruchy district were arrested under the POCSO Act on 5 August 2023 for allegedly sexually assaulting five minor residents. Sources said a total of 240 inmates, including orphaned boys and some students from a nearby school, who preferred a hostel facility, are lodged here.

Approximately four days ago, a staff member from the hostel filed a formal complaint with Collector M Pradeep Kumar, alleging instances of sexual abuse against the children. Following the Collector’s directive, officials from the Social Welfare Department and a District Child Protection officer launched investigations. Their findings indicated that four employees of the hostel were allegedly involved in the sexual assault of five underage boys.

Acting upon the investigation results, the police from Jeeyapuram AWPS took into custody the hostel wardens, namely Dhanasekaran (aged 41) and Yesurajan (aged 32), along with the gardener Parthiban (aged 44) and the cook Sivagiri (aged 34). These individuals were arrested under various sections of the POCSO Act. Collector Pradeep Kumar stated that the affected victims would be under close supervision for a week and would receive counseling. Ongoing inquiries are being conducted to determine whether any other children have experienced sexual abuse. The Collector said that if this is confirmed, the government would assume control of the hostel’s operations.

In the recent past, there have been many cases of abuse reported in the orphanages and old-age homes run in Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari Horror – January 2018

In 2018, after nearly three months of being subjected to repeated physical and sexual abuse and attacks, nine underage boys residing at a government hostel for boys in Kanyakumari district came out with the gory details of what happened to them. All this was done by their cook. The victims, all from the SC/ST community, eventually disclosed the disturbing incidents of physical abuse in January 2018 through written statements to school authorities. It was found that Vishwambaran was the primary perpetrator of the abuse, with his assistant Wilson allowing the misconduct to continue silently. The perpetrator was booked under POCSO Act.

Lavanya Suicide – January 2022

The death of a student Lavanya in Michaelpatti, Thanjavur in January 2022, which shook the entire state is another instance where the girl’s death occurred after alleged torture and pressure to convert to Christianity at the Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School in Michaelpatti, near Thanjavur. The case was transferred to the CBI who made it a point to inspect the classrooms, hostel rooms, and the warden’s quarters. The 17-year-old girl’s statement was obtained during her hospitalisation before her eventual passing. An FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice Act, including abetment of suicide and related charges. The girl’s parents alleged that she was subjected to torture and coercion to convert to Christianity and become a nun, which she had resisted, leading to her tragic decision to end her life. Read more on this case here.

Tiruvannamalai Case – March 2022

In March 2022, a hostel warden of a government-aided children’s home in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai was arrested after allegations that he had sexually abused children. Information received included the fact that seven children who had contacted ChildLine aged between the age of 14-16 alleged that they had been sexually assaulted by the warden. The warden was identified as 36-year-old A Duraipandian, a native of Thoothukudi district. A case under Sections 7, 8, 19 (1), and 21 (2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Section 506 (1) IPC was registered. The owner of the home – Sagairaj has also been arrested. The hostel is attached to a private school.

Vellore Old Age Home Assault Case – October 2022

St. Joseph’s Charity Home, an establishment catering to destitute and elderly individuals, has been operational in the Gugaiyanallur vicinity of Vellore district since 2017. In 2018, the facility was closed due to reported incidents of violent assaults involving staff members. After a four-year hiatus, the home was recommenced in March 2022 by its administrator. A complaint was lodged with the current District Collector, Kumaravelpandian, regarding the mistreatment of elderly residents. In response, the Revenue Commissioner initiated an examination, resulting in the rescue of 69 elderly individuals in October 2022. These individuals were subsequently provided with initial medical aid at government hospitals.

Tiruppur Sexual Assault – January 2023

In January 2023, a pastor was arrested under POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Tiruppur. This incident happened at a private hostel where several working women, school and college students stayed. The 15-year-old schoolgirl, residing in the pastor-managed hostel, chose not to return after the Christmas break. She disclosed to her parents that Father Andrews had raped her on December 14, 2022, and had threatened her to keep quiet about the incident. On that day, she skipped evening prayers, citing health issues, and stayed in her room. During his rounds, Pastor Andrews entered her room and sexually assaulted her. The pastor, along with his wife, operated the hostel for children and women and was introduced to the victim’s parents through their church. The victim and her brother were enrolled in the hostel, attending school from there.

Vizhuppuram Rape & Inmates Torture Case – February 2023

Tamil Nadu police apprehended four individuals associated with a Christian home for destitutes – Anbu Jothi Ashramam, including B Jubin and J Maria, in a village near Kedar, on a range of charges, notably including rape. Salim Khan, one of the owners, had lost contact with his father-in-law since August 2021. Subsequently, on February 13, 2023, law enforcement took into custody four employees, among them B Jubin and J Maria, on various allegations, including the crime of rape. Additionally, Warden Muthumaari, computer operator Gopinath, and driver Biju are also facing legal action.

142 residents, encompassing 109 men, 33 women, and a young boy, were rescued and volunteers who aided the rescue disclosed that certain women had been subjected to sexual assault by staff members. Numerous individuals had reportedly been shackled and subjected to torment. A survivor originating from the Christian home, who had arrived as a teenager from Odisha seeking assistance in Vizhuppuram, shared accounts of being raped, physically abused, and coerced into silence. Several women had been restrained using chains on window grills, administered sleeping pills, and sexually assaulted.

A minimum of 15 inmates were unaccounted for, lacking any official records. Those who remained within the facility exhibited signs of physical trauma, including contusions, bruises, and blood clots, and alleged instances of both torture and sexual abuse. Local sources indicated that none of the governmental bodies appeared to have inspected the unregistered institution, which had been operational since 2005. According to residents’ accounts, the unregistered establishment used to deploy a van to pick up destitute individuals in Vizhuppuram, enticing them with the promise of three meals per day and decent employment prospects in a secure environment.

Critics argue if there is a common factor among all these assault cases or if it is just a coincidence that the instances of physical and sexual assault is occurring frequently in hostels, homes, orphanages run by specific individuals.

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