‘Yeshu Yeshu Prophet’ Bajinder Singh sentenced to life in 2018 rape case.
The 42-year-old pastor, who gained a significant following through his religious sermons and purported miracles, was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 376. He was lodged in Patiala jail following the court’s ruling.
Case Background
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur police station in 2018. According to the complainant, Bajinder Singh had lured her by promising to take her abroad. Under the guise of this promise, he invited her to his residence in Sector 63, Mohali, where he allegedly raped her. Not only did he commit the assault, but he also filmed the act and later used the video as leverage, threatening to upload it on social media if she did not comply with his demands.
The case soon gained significant attention due to the preacher’s influence and following in religious circles. Over time, multiple allegations of misconduct surfaced against him, leading to increased scrutiny of his activities. His arrest and subsequent conviction mark a significant development in the case, bringing relief to the complainant and raising concerns about the exploitation of faith for personal gains.
Acquittal of Co-Accused
While Bajinder Singh has been convicted, five other accused individuals named in the case were acquitted due to a lack of substantial evidence. The individuals acquitted include Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish their direct involvement in the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal Proceedings and Court’s Observations
Throughout the legal proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence, including the complainant’s testimony, medical reports, and electronic evidence. The court took into account the victim’s statement and the gravity of the allegations before delivering its judgment. The defense, however, argued that the accusations were fabricated and intended to defame Singh, a claim that was dismissed by the court.
The court noted that the misuse of power and influence by individuals in religious positions is a serious concern. It emphasized that the crime committed by Bajinder Singh was not only a violation of the complainant’s dignity but also a betrayal of the trust that followers had placed in him.
Singh’s Rise to Popularity
Pastor Bajinder Singh rose to prominence through his evangelical work, drawing large crowds to his religious gatherings. His sermons often revolved around faith healing, miracles, and divine intervention. Over time, he amassed a significant following, both in India and abroad, particularly among Christian communities. His followers believed in his ability to perform miracles, with many claiming to have been healed through his blessings.
His organization expanded its outreach via social media, and he gained widespread recognition as the “Yeshu Yeshu Prophet.” His influence was not limited to religious circles; he also maintained connections with political figures and high-profile personalities.
Prior Controversies and Criminal Cases
This is not the first time Bajinder Singh has been embroiled in controversy. Earlier this month, the Mohali police booked him on charges of assault after a video of him purportedly slapping a woman went viral on social media. The video, which appeared to be CCTV footage dated February 14, showed Singh arguing with a woman in a room. During the heated exchange, he was seen throwing a bunch of papers at her before slapping her. The incident sparked outrage and led to a fresh case against him.
His arrest in the rape case had already tainted his reputation, and the new allegations further intensified public scrutiny. Many former followers have since distanced themselves from him, expressing shock over his actions.
Reaction from Followers and Religious Communities
Following the verdict, reactions from religious communities and Singh’s followers have been mixed. Some staunch supporters still believe in his innocence and claim that he is being framed due to his rising influence in the religious domain. Others, however, have condemned his actions and expressed disappointment in the betrayal of faith.
Christian organizations and social activists have welcomed the court’s decision, stating that justice has been served. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that religious leaders are held accountable for their actions and that faith should not be misused as a shield for criminal activities.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts believe that this case sets a precedent for holding self-proclaimed religious leaders accountable for their misdeeds. Many cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by individuals in influential religious positions have come to light in recent years, but justice has often been delayed due to the power dynamics at play.
Advocates have called for stricter laws and better implementation of existing legal frameworks to prevent such incidents in the future. They have also emphasized the need for increased awareness among followers to critically assess the credibility of religious figures before placing their trust in them.
Conclusion
Pastor Bajinder Singh’s sentencing marks a significant step toward justice for the victim and serves as a warning to others who exploit faith for personal gain. While he was once revered as a “miracle man,” his conviction under serious criminal charges has exposed a darker side to his public persona.
With his life sentence, the case brings to light the urgent need for stringent regulations to monitor the conduct of religious leaders. It also highlights the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in ensuring that victims receive justice, irrespective of the social standing of the accused.
As the legal process unfolds further with the potential for appeals, the case will continue to serve as a landmark example of how justice prevails, even against those who misuse faith to manipulate and exploit their followers.