NCPCR files complaint against Pastor Paul Dhinakaran over alleged magical healing of children in Arunachal

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has lodged a complaint with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh, raising concerns about Pastor Paul Dhinakaran allegedly using magical remedies to heal children in the region.

The controversy arose following a three-day Mega Prayer festival hosted by the Arunachal Christian Forum in Itanagar, starting on October 27. The event featured Dr. Paul Dhinakaran, a renowned Christian spiritual leader, along with his family, who had come to deliver sermons and spiritual guidance.

In its official complaint, the NCPCR stated, “The Commission has received a complaint indicating that a Pastor named Paul Dinakaran, during his Healing Crusade, is claiming to cure illnesses using magical healing powers. Upon further investigation, it has come to the Commission’s attention that Pastor Paul Dinakaran has been displaying children he claims to have healed in front of large crowds.”

Additionally, the commission noted that Pastor Paul Dinakaran is allegedly in violation of the Drugs & Magical Remedies Act of 1954. The commission expressed concern about the exposure of tribal children to crowds and accused him of disseminating blind faith, and superstition, and creating an atmosphere of delusion.

The NCPCR has initiated action under Section 13 (1) of the CPCR Act, 2005, to address these allegations. The commission has urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate steps, including filing a First Information Report (FIR) against Pastor Paul Dinakaran based on video and photographic evidence. The commission has also requested the identification of children who were claimed to be cured by Pastor Paul Dinakaran and their referral to government hospitals for comprehensive medical and psychological assessments to determine the nature of their ailments and any psychological distress they may have experienced. Psychological counselling will be provided as needed.

Moreover, the commission has called for the children in question to be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWCs) for the recording of their statements and proper counselling, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015.

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