An FIR has been filed against a former senior pastor of the Father’s House Church in Chümoukedima following multiple allegations of sexual molestation. The complaint was officially lodged by concerned members of the church at the Chümoukedima police station. Commissioner of Police K. Sophie confirmed that senior church members submitted the complaint on Saturday, marking a critical step after earlier reports regarding the former pastor’s conduct. Despite the seriousness of the allegations being publicly known for some time, formal action was not taken until recently.
A member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) emphasized the legal implications under Section 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which mandates the reporting of such offenses, with penalties including imprisonment and fines for those who fail to act. However, he refrained from providing further details, citing the ongoing investigation. The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has strongly condemned the alleged molestation of minors, expressing shock and anger within the community. In a press statement, the union commended the church board for its swift action in demanding the pastor’s resignation and ensuring he is not seen as a representative of the church. They emphasized the importance of upholding high moral standards within the community.
The DNSU expressed support for the police investigation and called on authorities to take stern action against the accused to secure justice for the victims. The commissioner assured the public that he would personally oversee the case as evidence is gathered. As an organization focused on student welfare, the DNSU expressed alarm over allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving minors, advocating for zero tolerance towards such crimes. They urged authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure timely justice while requesting community support and protection for victims.
