Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a man and rescued 20 children from a hostel run by him in Kathua yesterday.

Deputy Commissioner Rohit Khajuria said, "Children told us they're mistreated and abused. Our officers rescued them and brought them to Nari Niketan and Bal Ashram. There were 8 girls and 12 boys."

"Man running the hostel arrested and taken in custody. A first information reports was lodged against him. He was claiming he's affiliated with some church in Pathankot.When our officers enquired from the Pathankot church, they denied it. Hostel was unregistered. Man claims to be from Kerala," Khajuria said.  -- ANI