Punjab court sentences pastor Bajinder Singh to life in 2018 rape case

Self-proclaimed Yeshu Yeshu Prophet convicted for sexual assault and intimidation

On Tuesday, a Punjab court sentenced self-proclaimed Christian pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment for raping a woman in 2018. The verdict was pronounced by Additional District and Sessions Judge Vikrant Kumar in Mohali, following Singh’s conviction on March 28 under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rape, causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.

Singh, popularly known as the “Yeshu Yeshu Prophet,” was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman from Zirakpur. The court ordered his immediate custody and transfer to Patiala Jail.

Details of the case and charges

The case was registered by the Zirakpur police based on the victim’s complaint. She alleged that her first meeting with Singh occurred at a roadside eatery, after which she started attending his prayer meetings. Over time, Singh gained her trust and personal information.

In September 2017, Singh allegedly invited the woman to the same eatery and asked her to bring her passport, promising to take her abroad. He then took her to his flat, where he reportedly assaulted her under the pretext of facilitating international travel. The victim claimed that Singh rendered her unconscious, established physical relations against her will, and recorded an obscene video.

Later, Singh demanded a large sum of money, threatening to release the video if she did not comply. According to the complaint, he continued to exploit her under the threat of blackmail.

Court ruling and co-accused status

The court acquitted five co-accused individuals—Akbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep alias Pehlwan—due to insufficient evidence. Another accused, Sucha Singh, passed away during the trial.

Initially, the FIR included IPC sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty), 294 (obscene acts), 323 (causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 148 (rioting), and 149 (unlawful assembly).

Security at the court complex

On the day of sentencing, a large number of Singh’s supporters gathered outside the court premises. However, police deployed at the scene ensured they did not enter the court complex.

(The identity of the victim is withheld in compliance with Supreme Court directives related to sexual assault cases.)

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