So called pastors convicted of raping and molesting were not Pastors claims RIM and SUCF

KalimNews, May 1, Siliguri: North Bengal chapter of Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh (RIM) has denied that so called pastors convicted of raping and molesting a 13 year girl student in a hostel were not Pastors. 

During a press conference held in Siliguri, RIM and Siliguri United Christian Forum (SUCF) stated that the organisation in which the two convicted were working has given a written statement that the convicted duo were not Pastors but office staff.

Rev Enos Simick stated that the crime is heinous and punishable one, they should be given stronger punishment. But a worker working under a church based organisation or hostel cannot be called Pastors unless they are ordained. Pastors are ordained and then appointed. But they were not ordained but terming them as Pastors has defamed all the Pastors. 

It is further stated that both were in charge of Mount Carmel hostel situated in Agam Sing Nagar of Siliguri. The hostel was a refuge for underprivileged students of UP.

George Samuel, 52, was given imprisonment for 10 years and Johnson E. Devasia, 56, for 5 years. Both were arrested in 2013. 

George has been accused of rape, Johnson was found guilty of molesting an inmate.

Pastor Samuel Chaco Director of Mission Himalaya which runs the hostel has declared that both were hostel workers. Both George and Johnson are from Kerala.