Christian institution in Kedgaon (Pune district) becomes a hub of misconduct!

Bhaskar Nirugutty, an official of the Christian organization ‘Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission,’ arrested for sexually assaulting girls

Daund (Pune district) – The issue of forced religious conversions of girls from Scheduled Castes at the ‘Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission’ Christian institution in Kedgaon recently gained attention in the Legislative Assembly. A demand was made for action against this institution. In another incident on 12 July, Yavat Police arrested the institution’s finance manager, Bhaskar Nirugutty, for sexually assaulting three minor girls and one young woman. The sexual assault incident reportedly occurred on 17 April 2024. A female counsellor working at the institution filed the complaint with Yavat Police.

Accusation of forced Christian conversion

The institution has been accused of forcing girls to accept Christianity. There have been various allegations against this institution in the past as well. It has been repeatedly accused of sexual exploitation of orphaned minor girls, with many cases allegedly being suppressed. A similar incident occurred 15 years ago, with claims that such incidents often go unreported. Former president of the ‘Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission,’ Marcus Deshmukh, clarified that no religious conversions occur at the institution.

Demand for strict action against the accused

The institution provides free education and accommodation for orphaned, blind, and disabled girls, taking care of their upbringing, education, and employment for many years. Both private and government schools are located in the same area. Many social organizations have demanded strict action against Bhaskar Nirugutty. Some social organizations were ready to protest at the entrance of ‘Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission.’ However, upon learning that Nirugutty had been arrested and remanded to four days of Police custody, the protesters withdrew.

Editorial Perspective

It has been proven in numerous instances that sexual exploitation of girls and religious conversion activities occur in many Christian institutions. Despite this, why doesn’t the Government ban such institutions ?