Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, April 1: A Punjab court has sentenced self-styled Christian pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment for raping a woman in 2018.
The verdict, delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar on March 28, found Singh guilty under sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Following the ruling, Singh was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Patiala Jail.
While Singh was convicted, five other accused—Akbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep alias Pehlwan—were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Another accused, Sucha Singh, passed away during the trial. Tight security was enforced at the court complex, as a large number of Singh’s supporters gathered outside, although the police prevented them from entering.
Bajinder Singh’s background
Bajinder Singh, originally from Yamunanagar in Haryana, converted to Christianity while serving time in prison for a murder case nearly 15 years ago. Over time, he gained fame as a self-proclaimed spiritual leader, holding large-scale prayer meetings and claiming to perform miracles, including healing people of diseases such as HIV and muteness.
His services, often featuring his song “Mere Yeshu Yeshu,” gained widespread attention on social media, amassing millions of followers. Singh’s rise to prominence was further bolstered by his charismatic persona and claims of divine powers.
The victim’s allegations and police complaint
The case against Singh was registered at Zirakpur police station in 2018 after a woman filed a complaint detailing multiple instances of sexual exploitation.
According to the complaint, the victim met Singh at a roadside eatery before attending his prayer meetings. Over time, Singh gained her trust and extracted personal information from her.
In September 2017, Singh allegedly asked the woman to bring her passport to another meeting, claiming he would take her to the UK. However, after taking her to his flat, he reportedly assaulted her, rendered her unconscious, and recorded an obscene video of the incident.
Singh allegedly used the footage to blackmail the woman into silence, demanding a large sum of money under the pretext of arranging her travel abroad. The victim further claimed that Singh continued to exploit her, threatening to release the video if she refused his demands.
Victim and legal counsel react to verdict
Following the sentencing, the victim expressed her strong desire for a harsher punishment for Singh. “I want at least 20 years of imprisonment for him. He knows the law very well and does all this crime willingly. I want women to come out and speak freely about him. They should not get scared anymore,” the victim stated.
Advocate Anil Sagar, who represented the victim, called the ruling an important step towards justice. “He was popular as a spiritual leader. His followers used to call him ‘Papa ji’. When this kind of crime is committed by such a person, an exemplary punishment must be given. We are satisfied with the quantum of sentence, which is life imprisonment. He has to stay behind bars until his last breath,” Sagar said, emphasising the significance of the verdict.
Additional harassment case against Singh
In addition to the conviction for rape, Singh is also facing another sexual harassment case in Jalandhar district, Punjab. According to the complaint cited in a PTI report, the victim and her parents had been visiting Singh’s church since October 2017. Singh allegedly took her phone number and began sending her messages. Out of fear, the victim did not inform her parents.
The complaint further claims that since 2022, Singh would make the victim sit alone in a church cabin on Sundays, where he allegedly hugged and inappropriately touched her. Following these allegations, the police booked Singh under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
Singh’s defence and public response
Singh has denied all allegations, claiming that the victim was suffering from an ‘evil spirit’ and sought his prayers. However, the court rejected his defence and ruled him guilty of the charges. Despite his conviction, several of Singh’s supporters have protested, alleging that the accusations were part of an attempt to defame him and tarnish his image.
The case has sparked public outrage, with many commending the victim for her courage in coming forward. The court’s ruling has been hailed as a significant moment in the ongoing fight against sexual exploitation, particularly in religious institutions.
The victim’s lawyer, Advocate Anil Sagar, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, asserting that Singh’s actions should serve as a deterrent to others who might exploit their position of power for personal gain.
With Singh now facing multiple charges, the legal proceedings are far from over, as both the earlier case and the new allegations will continue to unfold in the courts. The case highlights the vulnerability of women, even in spiritual environments, and underscores the importance of ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.