Punjab 'Yeshu Yeshu' pastor Bajinder Singh sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 rape case.

A court in Mohali, Punjab, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, sentenced self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case. The court found him guilty under sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The victim, a woman from Zirakpur, accused Singh of sexually exploiting her by falsely promising to help her travel abroad and recording the act to threaten her into silence. Five other accused in the case were acquitted.

Details
Case details: The case dates back to 2018 when a woman from Zirakpur filed a complaint that Bajinder Singh sexually exploited her on the pretext of helping her travel abroad. She claimed that he recorded a pornographic video of her and threatened to post it on social media if she did not comply with his demands. Singh was out on bail during the trial. Victim's statement: The victim said she was being pressured to withdraw her statement and sought a minimum sentence of 20 years for the accused. Her lawyer Advocate Anil Sagar stressed the need for strict punishment as Singh exploited people in the name of religion. Legal proceedings: The court convicted Bajinder Singh on March 28, 2025, and the sentence was pronounced on April 1, 2025. Expressing hope for relief and justice, the victim said that today many girls have won and requested the DGP to ensure their safety. Additional allegations Recent events: In February 2025, Punjab Police filed another FIR against Bajinder Singh, in which a woman named Ranjit Kaur accused him of assault during a prayer session. Kaur claimed that she and others were abused and physically attacked. Supporters' reactions: Bajinder Singh's supporters staged massive protests, claiming that Bajinder Singh has a seditious background.

Personal history: Bajinder Singh, originally from Yamunanagar in Haryana, was born into a Hindu Jat family but converted to Christianity 15 years ago while serving a prison sentence for a murder case. He initially worked as a pastor before founding his own ministry called the Church of Glory and Wisdom in 2016.

Public persona: Singh gained widespread popularity for his viral "Yeshu Yeshu" videos and claimed to perform miraculous healings, drawing thousands to his mass gatherings. He often posted videos of these alleged miracles on his YouTube channel, which has over 3.7 million subscribers. On Instagram, he refers to himself as Prophet Bajinder Singh.

Impact and reactions
Akal Takht's stance: The Akal Takht, led by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has demanded immediate action against Singh, urging the Punjab government to ensure the safety of the victims and expedite justice. They praised the courage of the women who came forward.

Public opinion: The case has sparked public debate, with some supporting the victims and others standing with Bajinder Singh. The conviction is a significant moment in the investigation of self-styled religious figures who exploit faith for personal gain.

Conclusion
The life sentence given to Bajinder Singh in the 2018 rape case highlights the legal system’s commitment to justice and the importance of holding religious leaders accountable for their actions. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of sexual abuse and the need for stronger legal and social support for victims.