The Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society, a Christian missionary organization, has come under fire for operating an illegal children’s home in Chengicherla in Rachakonda district of Telangana, and engaging in religious proselytization of minors. Authorities were alerted to the activities following an inspection by the District Child Protection Officer, leading to an FIR being registered against the organization.
During the inspection on August 14, 2024, District Child Protection Officer Mamidi Sathish discovered seven children residing in the unauthorized orphanage, known as Emmanuel Children Orphan Home. The children included five from Telangana and two from Nepal. The officer’s findings prompted immediate action, resulting in a formal complaint and the subsequent registration of a case against the organization under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Adding to the severity of the situation, disturbing evidence has emerged, including a video uploaded to the organization’s YouTube channel in May 2021. The video reportedly shows pastors affiliated with the Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society baptizing minors, raising concerns about forced religious conversions.
Legal rights activist, Legal Rights Protection Forum, has taken steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. The organization is coordinating with Hindu groups in Nepal to reunite the two Nepalese girls with their families. Efforts are also underway to rescue and rehabilitate the five children from Telangana.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar case last year involving the Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission Orphanage in Pune, Maharashtra. The orphanage faced an FIR for allegedly confining and converting minors. Two girls admitted to the orphanage after losing their mothers, reported being forced to bathe in public, clean toilets, pray to Jesus, and consume wine. They were allegedly denied proper food and clothing for refusing to convert to Christianity and were prohibited from wearing Hindu symbols.
The current investigation into the Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society is being led by Sub-Inspector S. Anil Kumar, following the registration of the FIR on August 19, 2024. The case, filed under Cr. No.983/2024, charges the organization under Section 42 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Authorities are now focused on ensuring the safe return of the children to their families and preventing further illegal activities by the organization.
Can Hindus play an active role?