THIRUVALLA: It has been alleged that a 16-year-old with autism was beaten at a shelter home in Thiruvananthapuram. It was Pathanamthitta native Annamma Mathew who lodged a complaint against Sneha Bhavan of St. Annes Convent in Koothali in Vellarada, Thiruvananthapuram. In her complaint, Annamma alleged that Sister Rosy, a staff member of the St Annes Convent, brutally beat her 16-year-old son. The child, who sustained injuries in the beating, was admitted to the Health Centre in Chathankery.

The child was brought to Sneha Bhavan on 27 June 2023. When the child was brought home during the Christmas celebrations, the parents noticed some bruises on his body. When they asked the principal about this, the principal replied that the boy was beaten as punishment for disobedience. The principal also apologised for the same.

After that, the child was again brought back to Sneha Bhavan. When the child was brought home in connection with Easter, the parents noticed new bruises on his body. Following this, Annamma again contacted Principal Sister Sheeja over the phone. The principal responded that on March 7, the child ran out of the convent and entered a nearby house and the old woman, the owner of the house, beat him with a stick.

On reaching the house, Annamma informed the matter to her relative, who is a native of Thiruvananthapuram. The relative then contacted the principal over the phone and asked for the address of the woman who beat the child. With this, the principal admitted that she was the one who actually beat the child. Later, Sister Sheeja and two other sisters reached the child's house in Pathanamthitta. They then admitted that it was Sister Rosy, who was in charge of the convent, who beat the child.

After receiving the report of the doctor who examined the child, Medical Officer S Shalini informed the Child Welfare Committee about the matter. Following this, a police team led by Pulikkeezhu SI came to the child's house and recorded the statement of the child's mother.