Idukki (Kerala) | A case was registered against the manager and two employees of a Christian worship centre for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old boy from this district, officials said on Thursday.

The case was registered against the manager and two employees of the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta district.

According to police, the boy, a native of Anakkara here, had been staying at the centre, which had promised to provide him education and later help arrange employment considering his family's financial difficulties.

On June 12, following the teenager's request, his family reached the centre and brought him back home.

After returning home, the boy told his mother that he had been assaulted by caretakers and managers at the worship centre on June 11, police said.

The teenager alleged that he was forced to work at the centre, where elderly persons were staying, and that his education had been discontinued.

When he questioned the arrangement, he was allegedly beaten by employees on June 11 after being accused of involvement in theft incidents at the centre, police said.

Kattappana police said the boy was admitted to a hospital and his statement was recorded after he was discharged.

Based on his statement, a case was registered under various provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Officials said the case would be transferred to Pathanamthitta police as the alleged incident took place there.