Hyderabad/New Delhi: A serious complaint has been submitted before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking an independent inquiry into alleged violations of child rights, privacy, and HIV confidentiality involving the Hyderabad-based “Agape” orphanage and its associated US-based donor organization, Agape International Inc. The complaint lodged by the Legal Rights Protection Forum raises concerns over the alleged public disclosure of photographs, identities, and emotionally sensitive narratives of HIV-affected Indian orphan children on fundraising platforms and websites operated by the US-based charity organization.
According to the LRPF’s complaint, Agape International Inc., registered in the United States under the name “Agape AIDS Orphan Care,” allegedly published personal details and images of vulnerable children associated with the Hyderabad-based orphanage for donor mobilization and sponsorship campaigns. The disclosures were allegedly made through the organization’s official website, sponsorship platforms, and YouTube channel. The complaint states that such publication of HIV-related information and personal stories of orphan children is unethical, exploitative, and violative of their dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and protection from stigma and discrimination.
The petition identifies the US-based organization as Agape International Inc., located at Medfield in Massachusetts, USA is operating under the business name “Agape AIDS Orphan Care” with EIN No. 20-0452537. The Indian recipient organization has been identified as Agape Society, with its office located at Sanskruti Township, Infosys Lane, Pocharam Village, Medchal Malkajgiri District, Telangana. The complaint alleges that Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu, an American citizen reportedly holding OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status, is directly associated with both the foreign donor organization and the Indian recipient institution. As per publicly available Form 990 filings submitted before the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu is stated to be serving as Executive Director of Agape International Inc. Simultaneously, NGO Darpan records show her as an executive member of the Hyderabad-based Agape Society, thereby linking the foreign donor organization and the Indian recipient institution through common management.
The complaint also revisits a controversial 2017 incident involving the Agape orphanage. Media reports published during that period alleged that HIV-affected orphan children residing in the institution were forced to clean underground septic drainage systems. The incident triggered widespread outrage and serious concerns regarding exploitation, abuse, and violation of child protection norms. Another news report published by The New Indian Express on April 29, 2017 stated that the Agape Home allegedly lacked mandatory registration and licensing under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act at the time of the incident.
The petition states that despite such controversies and allegations, the institution later obtained permissions and recognition under the Juvenile Justice Act framework. The matter has assumed greater seriousness in light of criminal proceedings reportedly involving Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu. According to the complaint, Ms. Voggu is reportedly an accused in Sessions Case No. 337 of 2023 pending before the Fast Track Special Court for Expeditious Trial and Disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases at Malkajgiri, Medchal–Malkajgiri District. The complaint also refers to Criminal Petition No. 10758 of 2025 filed before the High Court for the State of Telangana, seeking a stay of proceedings, including arrest, in the said case. The petition argues that the existence of criminal proceedings under the POCSO framework against a person allegedly connected with the management of an orphanage dealing with vulnerable and HIV-affected children raises grave concerns regarding child safety, safeguarding mechanisms, institutional oversight, and regulatory compliance.
The complaint further alleges that the FCRA registration/license of Agape was cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs following serious violations. According to the petition, the cancellation itself reflects grave regulatory and compliance concerns relating to the functioning of the institution. Serious questions have also been raised regarding the conduct of Telangana government departments and officials who allegedly granted or renewed permissions and licenses under the Juvenile Justice Act framework despite controversies, allegations, and criminal proceedings reportedly associated with persons linked to the institution’s management.
LRPF states that the apparent failure of the concerned authorities to exercise proper due diligence, background verification, child safety assessment, and continuous monitoring before granting approvals to such an institution reflects a disturbing administrative lapse affecting the safety and welfare of vulnerable children. It further contends that the acts and omissions described in the complaint appear to violate Article 21 of the Constitution of India guaranteeing the right to life, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality; provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act; the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 relating to confidentiality and protection against discrimination; and internationally recognized child protection principles under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
In view of the seriousness of the allegations, LRPF sought urgent intervention by the National Human Rights Commission. Among the major demands made before the Commission are an independent inquiry into the functioning of Agape Orphanage, Hyderabad, and Agape International Inc., USA; examination of the role of Telangana government officials who granted permissions and licenses to the institution; immediate removal of photographs, identities, HIV-related details, and personal narratives of orphan children from websites and fundraising platforms; registration of an FIR against Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu; investigation into possible violations of child rights, privacy protections, HIV confidentiality safeguards, and misuse of foreign contributions; and a comprehensive child safety audit of the institution.
LRPF has further urged the NHRC to recommend the Ministry of Home Affairs to examine the continuation of OCI status granted to Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu, including the initiation of appropriate proceedings in accordance with law, including deportation from India if deemed necessary after inquiry. The petition emphasizes that the matter concerns highly vulnerable orphan children whose dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and safety require immediate protection and intervention in the interest of justice and child welfare.
(Source: From the copy of the original complaint received from Legal Rights Protection Forum)
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