In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Tamil Nadu’s Christian community, D. John Jebaraj, a 37-year-old pastor of the Kings Generation Church in Coimbatore, was arrested in Munnar, Kerala, on April 12, 2025, for sexually assaulting two minor girls. The incident, which allegedly took place on May 21, 2024, at Jebaraj’s residence in Coimbatore’s GN Mills area, has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the pastor’s significant social media following and reputation as a worship leader known for Christian concerts across India.
The Incident and Allegations
According to police reports, Jebaraj, who also leads the King Generation Prayer Hall, hosted a party at his home in May 2024, where he allegedly assaulted two girls aged 17 and 14. The 17-year-old survivor, an orphan adopted by Jebaraj’s father-in-law, and her 14-year-old friend, a neighbor, were reportedly subjected to aggravated sexual assault. Police sources clarified that the assault did not involve penetration but still qualified as a serious offense under the law. The incident remained undisclosed for nearly 11 months until one of the survivors confided in a relative, prompting the family to approach the Coimbatore Central All Women Police Station.
On April 5, 2025, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Jebaraj under Sections 9(l)(m) (aggravated sexual assault) and 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The pastor, aware of the allegations, went into hiding, evading arrest for several months.
The Manhunt and Arrest
Jebaraj’s disappearance triggered an intensive search operation led by Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar. Three special teams, under Assistant Commissioner T.H. Ganesh, were formed to track him down, with a lookout notice issued at airports and ports to prevent him from fleeing the country. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar located Jebaraj at a relative’s house in Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala, and apprehended him on Saturday evening, April 12, 2025. He was brought back to Coimbatore the following morning and produced before POCSO Special Court Judge R. Nandhinidevi, who remanded him to judicial custody until April 25.
Notably, the Munnar police were not informed of the operation, with the Tamil Nadu police conducting the arrest independently. This has raised questions about inter-state coordination in such cases.
Jebaraj’s Background and Public Persona
John Jebaraj, a native of Sambhar Vadakarai in Tenkasi district, was a prominent figure in Coimbatore’s Christian community. As the founder of Kings Generation Church on Cross Cut Road, he gained a massive youth following through his “new generation worship methods” and Christian devotional songs, amassing lakhs of followers across social media platforms. His concerts, performed in India and abroad, made him a recognizable name among Christian youth. However, his public image has now been tarnished by these grave allegations.
Jebaraj’s legal troubles are further complicated by personal issues. He recently petitioned the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail, claiming the accusations were fabricated by his estranged wife amid ongoing divorce proceedings. The court denied his bail request, and the allegations have since been substantiated by police investigations.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The arrest has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many expressing disgust and betrayal. Posts on X reflect the public’s anger, with some users highlighting Jebaraj’s “shameless” demeanor during his arrest. One user remarked, “Christian pastor John Jebaraj has been arrested under POCSO Act for sexually assaulting two minor girls aged 17 & 14 at his residence in Coimbatore. See how he is smiling shamelessly.” Others have drawn comparisons to unrelated cases, such as the sentencing of Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh for a 2018 rape case, pointing to a perceived pattern of abuse by religious figures.
The internet has been divided, with some questioning the selective outrage against Christian pastors while others demand stricter accountability for religious leaders across all faiths. One X post lamented, “Monsters in every religion,” reflecting a broader sentiment of frustration with such scandals.
Legal and Social Implications
Jebaraj’s arrest under the POCSO Act, a stringent law designed to protect minors from sexual offenses, underscores the gravity of the charges. The case also highlights the challenges survivors face in coming forward, as it took nearly a year for the incident to be reported. The bravery of the survivor who disclosed the assault to a relative has been pivotal in bringing Jebaraj to justice.
This case follows a string of similar incidents involving religious figures, raising questions about the abuse of power and trust within spiritual communities. The Coimbatore police’s swift action, including the formation of special teams and issuance of a lookout notice, sets a precedent for handling high-profile cases involving influential figures. However, the lack of coordination with Kerala police during the arrest points to areas for improvement in interstate law enforcement collaboration.
What Lies Ahead
As Jebaraj remains in judicial custody, the ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of his actions. The Coimbatore police are continuing to question associates and gather evidence, while the survivors receive support through the Child Welfare Committee. The case is likely to have a lasting impact on Jebaraj’s followers and the Kings Generation Church, which may face scrutiny in the wake of these allegations.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivors. The National Commission for Women’s helpline (7827-170-170) has been promoted on social media as a resource for those seeking assistance in similar cases, emphasizing the importance of accessible support systems for victims of sexual violence.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that no position of authority—religious or otherwise—should shield individuals from accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that the survivors’ courage will inspire others to speak out and that systemic changes will prevent such abuses in the future.
The Incident and Allegations
According to police reports, Jebaraj, who also leads the King Generation Prayer Hall, hosted a party at his home in May 2024, where he allegedly assaulted two girls aged 17 and 14. The 17-year-old survivor, an orphan adopted by Jebaraj’s father-in-law, and her 14-year-old friend, a neighbor, were reportedly subjected to aggravated sexual assault. Police sources clarified that the assault did not involve penetration but still qualified as a serious offense under the law. The incident remained undisclosed for nearly 11 months until one of the survivors confided in a relative, prompting the family to approach the Coimbatore Central All Women Police Station.
On April 5, 2025, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Jebaraj under Sections 9(l)(m) (aggravated sexual assault) and 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The pastor, aware of the allegations, went into hiding, evading arrest for several months.
The Manhunt and Arrest
Jebaraj’s disappearance triggered an intensive search operation led by Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar. Three special teams, under Assistant Commissioner T.H. Ganesh, were formed to track him down, with a lookout notice issued at airports and ports to prevent him from fleeing the country. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar located Jebaraj at a relative’s house in Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala, and apprehended him on Saturday evening, April 12, 2025. He was brought back to Coimbatore the following morning and produced before POCSO Special Court Judge R. Nandhinidevi, who remanded him to judicial custody until April 25.
Notably, the Munnar police were not informed of the operation, with the Tamil Nadu police conducting the arrest independently. This has raised questions about inter-state coordination in such cases.
Jebaraj’s Background and Public Persona
John Jebaraj, a native of Sambhar Vadakarai in Tenkasi district, was a prominent figure in Coimbatore’s Christian community. As the founder of Kings Generation Church on Cross Cut Road, he gained a massive youth following through his “new generation worship methods” and Christian devotional songs, amassing lakhs of followers across social media platforms. His concerts, performed in India and abroad, made him a recognizable name among Christian youth. However, his public image has now been tarnished by these grave allegations.
Jebaraj’s legal troubles are further complicated by personal issues. He recently petitioned the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail, claiming the accusations were fabricated by his estranged wife amid ongoing divorce proceedings. The court denied his bail request, and the allegations have since been substantiated by police investigations.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The arrest has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many expressing disgust and betrayal. Posts on X reflect the public’s anger, with some users highlighting Jebaraj’s “shameless” demeanor during his arrest. One user remarked, “Christian pastor John Jebaraj has been arrested under POCSO Act for sexually assaulting two minor girls aged 17 & 14 at his residence in Coimbatore. See how he is smiling shamelessly.” Others have drawn comparisons to unrelated cases, such as the sentencing of Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh for a 2018 rape case, pointing to a perceived pattern of abuse by religious figures.
The internet has been divided, with some questioning the selective outrage against Christian pastors while others demand stricter accountability for religious leaders across all faiths. One X post lamented, “Monsters in every religion,” reflecting a broader sentiment of frustration with such scandals.
Legal and Social Implications
Jebaraj’s arrest under the POCSO Act, a stringent law designed to protect minors from sexual offenses, underscores the gravity of the charges. The case also highlights the challenges survivors face in coming forward, as it took nearly a year for the incident to be reported. The bravery of the survivor who disclosed the assault to a relative has been pivotal in bringing Jebaraj to justice.
This case follows a string of similar incidents involving religious figures, raising questions about the abuse of power and trust within spiritual communities. The Coimbatore police’s swift action, including the formation of special teams and issuance of a lookout notice, sets a precedent for handling high-profile cases involving influential figures. However, the lack of coordination with Kerala police during the arrest points to areas for improvement in interstate law enforcement collaboration.
What Lies Ahead
As Jebaraj remains in judicial custody, the ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of his actions. The Coimbatore police are continuing to question associates and gather evidence, while the survivors receive support through the Child Welfare Committee. The case is likely to have a lasting impact on Jebaraj’s followers and the Kings Generation Church, which may face scrutiny in the wake of these allegations.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivors. The National Commission for Women’s helpline (7827-170-170) has been promoted on social media as a resource for those seeking assistance in similar cases, emphasizing the importance of accessible support systems for victims of sexual violence.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that no position of authority—religious or otherwise—should shield individuals from accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that the survivors’ courage will inspire others to speak out and that systemic changes will prevent such abuses in the future.