India, Sept. 5 -- The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused bail to Pastor Rajkumar Yesudasan, who had allegedly sexually abused minor girls at an orphanage in Navi Mumbai in 2022. The court, while rejecting the bail plea, cited the gravity of the allegations against him and the risk of witness intimidation if he were released on bail.

The case dates back to June 2022, when the District Child Protection Officer of Thane received a tip-off from the Yuva Child helpline regarding the exploitation of children at Bethel Gospel Ashram, Seawood, following which a raid was carried out in August 2022, revealing that 45 children were living in crammed and unhygienic conditions along with a few elderly people and mentally challenged individuals. ...