Coimbatore Pastor John Jebaraj Arrested in Kerala for Sexual Assault on Two Minor Girls
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Coimbatore, April 13, 2025 – In a significant development in a high-profile child sexual abuse case, Coimbatore City Police on Sunday arrested Pastor John Jebaraj, 37, of Kings Generation Church, on charges of sexually assaulting two minor girls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
He was nabbed from Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala, where he had been hiding for nearly a week. A special police team brought him back to Coimbatore early Sunday morning. He was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody until April 25, 2025.
What Are the Charges Against John Jebaraj?
John Jebaraj is accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls, aged 14 and 17, during a private party at his residence in Coimbatore on May 21, 2024.
The case came to light when one of the survivors filed a formal complaint with the All Women Police Station (AWPS), Coimbatore Central, around a week ago.
Following the complaint, he was booked under Sections 9 (l), 9 (m), and 10 of the POCSO Act, which deal with aggravated sexual assault and prescribed punishments for the same.
Section-wise Breakdown of POCSO Charges
- Section 9 (l) – Aggravated sexual assault by a person in a position of trust or authority
- Section 9 (m) – Aggravated assault on a child using deceit or false promise
- Section 10 – Punishment for aggravated sexual assault (5 to 7 years imprisonment and fine)
Police Response and Manhunt Timeline
After Jebaraj absconded, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar formed three special teams under Assistant Commissioner T.H. Ganesh to trace the pastor.
Key developments:
- A lookout notice was issued to prevent Jebaraj from fleeing abroad
- The team monitored his phone activity and social media footprint
- Police received credible intelligence about his presence in Munnar, Kerala
- A special unit led by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar was dispatched to Munnar
Late Saturday night (April 12), the team successfully arrested him and brought him back to Coimbatore in the early hours of Sunday.
Who is John Jebaraj? The Man Behind the Ministry
John Jebaraj is a popular Christian evangelist and lead pastor of Kings Generation Church on Cross Cut Road, Coimbatore. He was also affiliated with Levi Ministries, a widely followed Christian network known for its devotional music, online sermons, and healing crusades.
- He commands a large following on YouTube and Instagram, where his live sessions often attract thousands
- He has composed and performed several Christian worship songs popular in Tamil-speaking states
- His sermons often focused on family values, faith, and spiritual guidance
The allegations have shocked his followers, many of whom have begun deleting content or issuing statements distancing themselves from his ministry.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
As news of the arrest spread, social media was flooded with:
- Angry reactions from Christian youth groups and local communities
- Calls for a broader investigation into his ministry and church activities
- Hashtags like #JusticeForSurvivors, #JohnJebaraj, and #POCSOcase trending regionally
A local Christian youth organization issued a statement:
“We are devastated by the betrayal of trust. Faith leaders must be held accountable to the highest standards.”
Church and Levi Ministries Yet to Respond Officially
As of now, neither Kings Generation Church nor Levi Ministries has issued an official statement regarding the arrest.
Sources say a closed-door emergency meeting was held by Levi Ministries’ leadership in Chennai, where they are reportedly drafting a public statement and re-evaluating internal protocols.
Wider Implications: Spotlight on Abuse in Religious Institutions
This case once again brings to light:
- The vulnerability of minors in religious settings
- The lack of accountability mechanisms in unregulated religious organisations
- The importance of background checks and child protection policies in all community spaces
Advocates are calling for mandatory POCSO compliance training for all individuals working in religious or spiritual institutions, similar to what exists in schools and orphanages.
What Happens Next in the Case?
With Jebaraj now in judicial custody, the Coimbatore police are:
- Recording detailed statements from both survivors
- Planning to question associates and church members
- Investigating digital evidence, including potential videos and chats
- Checking whether more victims might come forward in the coming days
Legal experts believe the charges, if proven, could lead to a minimum 7-year sentence, with added time for multiple offences.
POCSO Act: A Quick Overview
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) was enacted in 2012 and covers:
- Sexual assault and harassment
- Aggravated assault by persons in authority (teachers, religious leaders, etc.)
- Penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment
- Child-friendly procedures for reporting and trial
The act is considered one of India’s most robust legal frameworks for child safety and justice.
Community Vigilance Encouraged by Police
Coimbatore Police Commissioner Saravana Sundar has urged:
- Parents to remain alert about the activities their children are involved in
- Religious groups to ensure transparency in operations
- Citizens to report abuse or suspicious behavior immediately
Accountability in the Pulpit
The arrest of Pastor John Jebaraj serves as a stark reminder that faith should never be a shield for exploitation. The case has shaken the community and placed religious accountability under the scanner.
As legal proceedings begin, all eyes will be on whether justice is delivered swiftly, and whether institutions once considered sacred will now implement better protections for the vulnerable.
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