NEW DELHI: A Punjab court on Tuesday sentenced self-proclaimed Christian pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case.
Singh, often referred to as the ‘Yeshu Yeshu prophet,’ was convicted for sexually assaulting a woman from Zirakpur.
The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar pronounced the verdict, finding him guilty on March 28 under IPC sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
The case dates back to 2017, when the complainant, a woman from Punjab, alleged that Singh began sending her unwanted messages after she started attending his church.
Read related story: ‘Yeshu Yeshu’ Pastor Bajinder Singh convicted in 2018 sexual harassment case
She remained silent out of fear but later filed a complaint, leading to his arrest in July 2018 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while attempting to flee to London.
Singh has previously faced multiple legal troubles, including another sexual harassment case filed by a 22-year-old woman in February this year. She accused him of inappropriately touching her inside a church cabin and threatening her family if she spoke out.
New allegations surface
A day after his conviction, two more women came forward accusing Singh of abuse and sexual exploitation at his dera. They met with officiating Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, who urged the Punjab government to ensure their safety and take strict action.
The women alleged that despite FIRs being filed, the police had delayed action, leaving them vulnerable to threats and intimidation. One of the women, who claims to be the person seen in a viral video where Singh is allegedly assaulting someone, said she had attended his church for over a decade and was actively involved in seva at his dera for six-seven years.
Read related story: ‘Faced threats’: Day after rape conviction, self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh accused of sexual abuse by two more women
Speaking to the media, she said meeting the Jathedar gave them renewed confidence in seeking justice. She also revealed that while some people helped them, others ignored their pleas.
Following the latest allegations, the Akal Takht secretariat issued a statement condemning the delay in action against Singh. The jathedar praised the victims for their courage and assured them of full support, urging them to trust in Guru Sahib.
(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
