Father Beats His Three Children Claiming They Were Possessed by a Demon – Shocking Incident in Kanyakumari District
A shocking case of child abuse under the guise of religious belief has come to light in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. A father, claiming that his children were possessed by a demon, brutally assaulted them with a rope. The disturbing incident has triggered widespread outrage and concern for child safety and welfare.
Background and Location
The incident occurred in Idaikoottu, a locality near Midalam village in the Devikodu area of Kanyakumari district. The accused, Kingsley, a 45-year-old Christian pastor, lives with his wife Sajini and their three children—a 6-year-old son, a 3-year-old son, and an 8-month-old daughter. The family currently resides in a multi-storey housing complex near Perumanguzhi, close to Karungal.
Sequence of Events
On the day of the incident, Kingsley and his wife had stepped out of their home for some time. Upon returning, they found that their children were not inside the house but were instead playing with children from a neighboring house. This seemingly innocent behavior enraged Kingsley.
Furious, he ordered his wife to bring the children back home immediately. Once they returned, he tied them up with a rope and beat them mercilessly, believing they had been possessed by a demon for associating with neighboring kids. Shockingly, his wife Sajini also joined in and physically assaulted the children.
The children screamed in pain, unable to bear the beating. Hearing the cries, concerned neighbors immediately alerted the Karungal Police.
Police Action and Rescue
Police officers rushed to the scene and rescued the three children, who were found with visible injuries and in a state of trauma. Kingsley and his wife were brought to the police station for interrogation.
During questioning, it came to light that Kingsley had a routine habit of locking his children inside the house whenever he went out for church duties or other work. A few days earlier, when he returned home, he found the children playing outside with kids from neighboring houses. He reportedly believed that this behavior indicated demonic possession.
In an attempt to “drive the demon out,” he tied the children up and beat them using a rope, according to police reports. The claim stemmed purely from his superstitions and religious beliefs, not from any actual wrongdoing by the children.
Legal Action and Medical Attention
Following confirmation of the abuse, police filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and child protection laws. Kingsley was arrested, and his wife is also under investigation for her role in the abuse.
The children were given immediate medical attention at a nearby government hospital and later moved to a child protection home for their safety and recovery. Their condition is reported to be stable, though they are emotionally shaken.
A Reflection of Deeper Issues
This case has brought to the forefront the dangers of blind religious beliefs, especially when they override logic, compassion, and basic human responsibility. It raises serious concerns about the lack of awareness regarding child rights and protection in certain communities.
A father, who is expected to be the protector of his children, has instead inflicted trauma under the pretense of spiritual intervention. Such incidents reflect a failure of both the individual and the community in safeguarding vulnerable children.
Community Reaction and Awareness
Local residents and child rights activists have condemned the incident, demanding strict legal action against the accused. Social workers emphasized the urgent need for awareness campaigns in rural and semi-urban areas about child abuse and superstitions.
Many believe that pastors, priests, and other religious leaders must be held to higher standards of accountability, particularly when their influence affects family and child welfare.
The Role of Society and Law
This incident underscores the necessity of community vigilance. It was only due to the intervention of alert neighbors that the children were rescued in time. Without their prompt action, the situation could have escalated further.
The Juvenile Justice Act and laws under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act empower the police and judiciary to act decisively in such cases. However, implementation often depends on timely reporting and public awareness.
The Need for Psychological Support
Experts have also highlighted the need for counseling and psychological support for the affected children. Physical wounds may heal, but the emotional trauma of being abused by one’s parents, particularly under such irrational beliefs, can leave lasting scars.
Authorities must ensure that the children are placed in a nurturing environment and that they receive continued mental health care to help them recover.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking incident is not just a case of child abuse but a stark reminder of the perils of superstition and the misuse of religious authority. It calls for collective action from government bodies, NGOs, religious institutions, and civil society to ensure that children are not made victims of irrational beliefs or violent discipline.
Every child deserves a safe, loving, and respectful upbringing. When that right is violated—even by parents—the law must intervene without compromise. Cases like this should serve as a wake-up call to enforce stricter checks on child welfare and promote rational, humane parenting practices across all sections of society.
